Director, Cell Therapy Portfolio and Project Management

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.

Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences (CPSS) is a scientific excellence function within AstraZeneca, with 750 people across India, UK, Sweden, US, and Spain, supporting the BioPharma and Oncology R&D organizations. Our focus includes clinical pharmacology, pharmacometrics, non-clinical safety, pathology, bioanalysis, and lab animal sciences. We partner with all therapy areas to support the AstraZeneca portfolio across discovery and development by harnessing data and technology to deliver safe, efficacious, and innovative medicines to patients. 

Working globally across different time zones, the Director, Portfolio and Project Management role will proactively partner with the CPSS Cell Therapy Department Leadership Team (CPSS CT LT) and its partners to provide business planning & operations management, and portfolio & strategic insights in the dynamic, energetic, and exciting area of cell therapy. You will report to the Global Head of CPSS Cell Therapy and may be based in Santa Monica, CA or Gaithersburg, MD.

You will:

• Serve as a PMO for the Cell Therapy portfolio within CPSS, tracking project timelines, risks, deliverables, and reporting status updates to leadership.

• Act as a strategic and operational business partner to the CPSS Cell Therapy Leadership Team

• Understand the broader AstraZeneca portfolio and translate Cell Therapy-specific needs into business planning and resourcing strategies.

• Lead and drive strategic projects and initiatives, including organizational change and continuous improvement, with a Cell Therapy focus.

• Oversee business performance for the Cell Therapy Unit, including scorecard development, metrics tracking, quarterly reviews, and budget management.

• Liaise across CPSS sub-departments and collaborate with R&D, Clinical, Manufacturing, and Commercial organizations to ensure Cell Therapy priorities are resourced and supported.

• Work with CPSS BPO, Finance Business Partners, and Business Analysts to support mid-range and long-range financial planning cycles for CPSS Cell Therapy Department.

• Develop communication strategies and support Cell Therapy Department communications, including leadership updates and departmental all-hands meetings.

• Ensure efficient data management related to Cell Therapy portfolio within CPSS, including FTE tracking (active, vacancies) and resource forecasting.

• Provide succinct, robust business information to CPSS CT LT and CPSS LT to support strategic decision-making for Cell Therapy programs.

• Act as an integrator who can manage ambiguity, track multiple priorities, and drive solutions that advance the Cell Therapy agenda.

You will have:

• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences or engineering discipline; MBA or advanced degree preferred

• 12+ years of experience with BS or 10+ years with MS/MA/MBA in a business operations environment, with experience in strategic planning and portfolio management.

• Minimum of 5 years leadership experience, leading teams or large projects and working cross functionally.

• Excellent project management, tracking, and reporting skills.

• Ability to manage stakeholders, especially scientific and operational leadership within a matrix organization.

• Understanding of resource planning and business performance tracking

Desirable Skills:

• Scientific background in Cell Therapy

• Consulting experience in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare strategy preferred.

• Collaboration skills and ability to work across multiple geographies and cultures.

#CellTherapy

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by curiosity and courage to explore new scientific frontiers. Our commitment to making a difference fuels our passion for science as we fuse data and technology with innovative approaches. We are dedicated to treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex dis