Director, IT Business Lead – Digital & AI Strategy

In AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy division, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. We have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. This role is part of the Operations team tasked with supporting Clinical and Commercial production across multiple sites.

We are seeking an innovative and strategic Director, IT Business Lead – Digital & AI Strategy to drive the digital transformation of the Cell Therapy Development & Operations (CTDO) organization. In this pivotal role, you will be the bridge between CTDO business stakeholders and global IT, leading the design and execution of enterprise-wide technology and AI initiatives.

You will champion the adoption of advanced digital platforms, intelligent automation, and enterprise systems to enable scalable, data-driven operations—delivering measurable value across the cell therapy value chain and transforming the patient and customer journey in line with AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy Ambition. You will report to the Executive Director, Ops IT and may be based in Gaithersburg, MD or Santa Monica, CA.

Responsibilities:

1. Digital & IT Strategy Leadership

• Enterprise IT Alignment: Partner with CTDO business, digital, and data teams to define and execute a cohesive digital transformation roadmap aligned with business and technology strategies across clinical and commercial operations.

• AI Strategy & Use Case Development: Lead the identification and operationalization of AI/ML applications that drive predictive analytics, intelligent planning, supply chain optimization, manufacturing insights, and personalized therapy orchestration.

• Technology Vision: Establish a future-ready vision for digitally enabled business processes—using AI, cloud platforms, and advanced data architectures—to unlock productivity and scalability across CTDO functions.

2. Innovation in Business Systems

• System Integration: Serve as the IT partner for strategic enterprise platforms including SAP, MES, LIMS, Advanced Planning Systems, and cell orchestration systems, ensuring seamless interoperability and AI-readiness.

• Process Digitization: Collaborate with Cell Therapy business leads to define requirements and deliver foundational to advanced digital solutions across the cell therapy value chain—Strategy, Planning, Scheduling, Slot Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Vein-to-Vein Logistics.

• Data Management & Governance: Collaborate with business to implement modern data infrastructure, ensuring robust data privacy, integrity, and accessibility across digital platforms and AI models.

3. Program Execution & Change Leadership

• Transformation Leadership: Drive digital transformation initiatives, managing scope, budgets, schedules, and outcomes while delivering measurable value.

• Change Enablement: Lead organizational change management efforts by promoting digital fluency, process maturity, and stakeholder alignment across CTDO and partner functions.

• Customer Experience: Redesign digital touchpoints to enhance the experience for patients, physicians, and commercial partners through intelligent orchestration platforms and automation.

Skills & Experience:

• 14+ years of experience with BS/BA or 12+ with MS/MA/MBA, in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain, or related field.

• Track record in IT strategy, enterprise system implementation, and AI integration within life sciences or regulated industries.

• Experience with cell therapy operations, including supply chain, manufacturing, and quality systems.

• Expertise as an IT lead in deploying large-scale platforms such as SAP, MES, LIMS, or cloud-based orchestration systems.

• Knowledge of modern AI technologies, GenAI and Agentic AI and how to apply them in a cell therapy context

• Be a change agent and thrive in dynamic, ambiguous environments.

• Adept at tailoring messages to diverse audiences across cultures and organizational levels.

• Strategic and influential leader