Director, R&D IT – Operational Excellence

Do you excel at driving operational excellence across complex, data-driven portfolios? We’re hiring a Director to lead operational governance, performance, and continuous improvement within R&D IT Data, Analytics & AI in Gothenburg. You’ll connect strategy to execution, remove blockers, and enable teams to deliver measurable outcomes at pace.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven BioPharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. In Gothenburg, our vibrant R&D hub brings together scientists, engineers, and technologists in an inclusive culture that champions diversity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. It’s a place where you’re empowered to push the boundaries of science and make a real difference to medicine, patients, and society.

About our team

We power AstraZeneca's transformation by advancing digital and data capabilities that accelerate decisions and outcomes. We partner across the enterprise to deploy leading technologies, harness data, and deliver results faster. We challenge the status quo, innovate continuously, and build sustainable digital healthcare. We empower diverse specialists to explore bold ideas, learn continuously through two-way feedback, and see the tangible impact of data and digital.

About the role

As R&D IT Data, Analytics & AI (DA&AI) Operations Manager, you will ensure smooth, efficient operations across the DA&AI portfolio. You connect central governance, reporting, and financial processes with business-driven outcomes and DA&AI DevOps delivery. You apply commercial, operational, compliance, and technical awareness to drive clarity, remove blockers, deliver on plan, and keep teams organised. No two days are the same and demands can be high, so you manage capacity, set priorities, and execute scheduled activities without compromising quality or timelines.

Key responsibilities

• Portfolio governance: Run leadership rhythms (LT, strategy workshops, town halls, CARB) to drive decisions and outcomes.
• Communications: Own the DA&AI calendar and stakeholder communications; ensure timely, accurate information flow.
• OKRs and metrics: Define, track, and report OKRs and portfolio metrics; flag risks and trigger corrective actions.
• Central interface: Act as the single point of contact for Operational Excellence and SP&Q; translate guidance into actionable plans.
• Value tracking: Lead benefits and efficiency tracking; quantify value and identify improvement opportunities with Platform teams.
• Finance and resourcing: Link budgets and capacity to delivery; recommend adjustments to optimise throughput, quality, and timelines.
• Alignment and planning: Align DA&AI work to R&D IT objectives; coordinate annual planning (MTP, demand, risk, finance) with an auditable plan of record.
• Leadership reporting: Deliver concise, insight-led reports that enable swift decisions.

Typical accountabilities

• Strategy-to-execution framework: Maintain scorecards, KPIs, and performance reviews to connect strategy with delivery and enable autonomous decision-making.
• Portfolio governance: Manage demand, prioritisation, capacity, stage-gates, and integrated planning (MTP/LTP) aligned to IT2030 and strategic KPIs.
• Scorecard management: Ensure accurate data and regular updates; drive actions based on performance insights.
• Leadership operations: Orchestrate agendas, cadences, and follow-up to ensure decision-readiness and execution.
• Justifications and prioritisation: Support business case creation and benefits tracking; streamline stage-gate approvals with clear value traceability.
• Performance analytics: Provide executive-ready analytics to surface bottlenecks, optimise flow, and highlight value and risk.
• Operating model and capability: Partner with central teams to evolve the operating model, clarify roles, and support roadmaps and strategic workforce planning.
• Change and simplification: Lead initiatives to standardise, reduce waste, and embed continuous improvement across capability teams.
• Communications and engagement: Plan and deliver internal communications, town halls, and communities to promote transparency and connection.
• Stakeholder partnership: Build consensus across OneIT, Finance, SP&Q, HR; maintain a strong customer-service focus.
• Executive support: Provide timely support to the Head of IT and leadership on key deliverables and strategic initiatives.

Essential skills and experience

• Education: BA/BSc in Business, IT, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Business/finance acumen: Proven impact in complex, matrixed environments; project coordination experience valued.
• Leadership: Credible track record leading cross-functional teams and building consensus to decisions.
• Analytics: Confident working with datasets (primarily Excel) and converting analysis into clear, actionable insights.
• Ways of working: Skilled at structuring work, setting priorities, and collaborating across large, international teams.
• Metrics and reporting: Ownership of KPIs, scorecards, and trend reporting to drive performance and decisions.
• Quality mindset: Meticulous attention to detail; challenges assumptions to secure the right outcomes.
• Communication: Clear, succinct communicator—written and verbal—across regions and seniority levels.
• Adaptability: Delivers reliably while re‑prioritising and adjusting plans in a fast‑changing environment.
• Continuous improvement: Demonstrated ability to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Advantageous: Experience coordinating large teams and managing reporting data, resources, and finances.

Why join us?

We’re a network of entrepreneurial self-starters who contribute to something far bigger. In Technology at AstraZeneca, you’ll dive deep into leading-edge tech and data capabilities that unlock the potential of science. We maximise efficiencies and drive productivity, from automation to data simplification, owning outcomes with transparency and high standards. Our diverse contributions help us make better decisions and continuously innovate in an ever-evolving environment. We love it here because we make a meaningful impact. Technology at AstraZeneca is a home for purposeful disruptors.

Ready to join our team in Gothenburg?

Apply by 18 March with your CV and a cover letter explaining why this role is the right fit for you, and we’ll be in touch. We review applications on a rolling basis—so don’t wait to apply!

Date Posted

02-mars-2026

Closing Date

18-mars-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.