Associate Director Project Management

Are you ready to bring out the best in yourself and others by working together as one? In our dynamic and collaborative environment, you'll be surrounded by professionals who demonstrate curiosity and adaptability, working seamlessly to drive innovation. We embrace agility and develop cross-functional collaboration to thrive at a rapid pace. Our culture is built on lifelong learning, actively seeking opportunities to expand our knowledge and ensuring we never become complacent. As a key member of the Transformation Management Office, the Associate Director Project Manager role plays a pivotal part in leading and driving key transformation and improvement projects within our R&D BioPharma Clinical Operations function and across R&D. These projects vary in scope and complexity, providing a global remit and a wide runway for value addition. You'll have a highly visible area of responsibility and will contribute to the development and maintenance of project management standards and guidelines for project teams. This exciting role offers the opportunity to engage with various aspects of the business and work on innovative, thought-provoking projects.

Accountabilities

Reporting to the Head of Transformation Management, you will be accountable for the projects you support, with the authority to run them on a day-to-day basis. In addition to project work, you will support the Head of TMO in departmental and function-related initiatives focused on internal delivery. Your prime responsibility is to ensure that the projects produce the required products within specified tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, benefits, and risk. You will also be responsible for producing results capable of achieving the benefits defined in the case.

What you'll do:

• Support the Head of TMO and the wider group on activities related to project management across multiple programs, as well as any internal TMO activities.
• Lead large-scale projects directly, taking charge of full scope and deployment activities within this pivotal role.
• Spearhead transformative initiatives from conception to execution, applying your expertise and leadership to drive impactful outcomes.
• Manage and oversee transformation and improvement projects, ensuring seamless integration across our various functions in R&D.
• Prepare baseline management products, in conjunction with any project assurance roles, and agree them with the project teams: project brief (including the project description), project plans, benefits management approach, stage/exception plans and their descriptions, work packages.
• Develop project reporting and control mechanisms including issue reports, end stage reports, exception reports, end project report, etc.
• Liaise with portfolio, programme management or partners to ensure that work is neither overlooked nor duplicated by related projects.
• Lead and empower the project management team while establishing behavioral expectations of team members.
• Act as a liaison to the TMO and advise the group of any deviations from the project plans or timelines.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Degree in business or scientific field (or Project Management related field) with 4 plus years of experience.
• Expertise in programme/project management, with a proven track record.
• Demonstrate strong communication and relationship building skills with the ability to influence others to achieve objectives.
• Experience of defining business strategies and influencing key stakeholders of the vision for the business area
• Strong networking/consulting skills with good internal/external links
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical information into business language and in alignment with AstraZeneca business
• Consistent record in delivering high-risk programme/projects and decision making
• Ability to convince and lead negotiations across a complex group

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Strong experience in transformation type projects with a deep understanding and practical application of design thinking principles and methodologies to drive innovation, user-centric solutions, and customer experience enhancements.
• Robust understanding of processes with a significant emphasis on R&D
• Formal qualifications in project management, change management, and/or process improvement methodologies.
• Experience of working in a global organisation with complex/geographical context
• Pharmaceutical Industry experience

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash ambitious thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with scientific innovations to achieve breakthroughs. Our inclusive environment encourages curiosity and courage, empowering you to explore without limits. With opportunities for lifelong learning and growth, you'll be part of a team that impacts patients' lives globally.

Ready to make an impact? This requisition posting will close on February 14, 2026 so apply now to join us on this exciting journey!

Date Posted

02-Mar-2026

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.