We're building a connected, end-to-end Enterprise AI engine
- uniting data foundations, AI technology, process reinvention, and business-facing AI to accelerate results across the whole value chain.
Success depends on being exceptional connectors: you'll actively leverage existing capabilities, celebrate and promote reuse, export breakthrough ideas across geographies and functions, and obsess over scaling impact rather than building in isolation. If you thrive in high-collaboration environments where your role is to turn complex, cross-functional problems into reusable, enterprise-wide capabilities
- and where the measure of success is adoption and scale, not just innovation
- you'll have the platform (and sponsorship) to make it real.
At AstraZeneca, the AI for Science Innovation function accelerates our ability to design, develop, and scale AI‑powered solutions that advance scientific discovery and enable smarter, more effective R D pipelines. We partner across functions, markets, and scientific domains to create integrated capabilities, ensure operational consistency, and empower teams to deliver high‑quality innovation at speed and scale. As the Head of Operations, AI for Science and Innovation you are responsible for the smooth, efficient, and high‑performing day‑to‑day functioning of the AI for Science Innovation organization. You will oversee operational processes, business administration, performance tracking, leadership communications, and organizational governance. You will also lead a central operations team—including business administrators—responsible for enabling organizational continuity, transparency, and operational discipline across all areas. This role will be accountable for ensuring efficient and optimized coordination of activities across programs, projects, springs, and special initiatives across AI for Science Innovation. This role ensures that the AI for Science Innovation team has the foundations, tools, processes, and visibility required to execute effectively and deliver impact. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership & Organizational Management
- Lead and optimize the day‑to‑day operations of the AI for Science Innovation team.
- Build and manage a central operations team for portfolio delivery and functional performance.
- Maintain operational rhythms, including leadership meetings, organizational performance reviews, and governance routines. Performance, Reporting & Portfolio Visibility
- Oversee performance measurement frameworks, dashboards, and KPIs.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting for leadership and stakeholders.
- Maintain visibility of the portfolio, priorities, resource allocation, and milestone progress. Project & Program Operations
- Support operational execution of major initiatives within the portfolio.
- Manage project tracking practices including risk management, issue escalation, and operational dependencies.
- Facilitate alignment across global, regional, and functional teams. Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
- Continuously refine operational processes to increase efficiency and accountability.
- Embed consistent ways of working, documentation standards, and organizational clarity.
- Support onboarding, capability-building, and knowledge‑management practices. Budget & Resource Management
- Manage the operational budget, including allocation, forecasting, and spend tracking.
- Partner with finance and functional leaders to optimize resource planning. Vendor & Partner Operations
- Oversee operational management of external vendors, contractors, and partners.
- Ensure effective onboarding, performance tracking, and compliance of external contributors. Leadership Communications & Stakeholder Coordination
- Provide operational support to the AI for Science Innovation Leadership Team.
- Prepare materials, briefings, and reporting packages.
- Build strong cross‑functional relationships to support alignment and problem solving. Experience & Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in operations within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, technology, or scientific innovation sectors.
- Proven experience in operational leadership supporting complex technical or scientific organizations.
- Experience overseeing performance management, reporting, portfolio visibility, and business administration.
- Ability to build strong operational structures and drive clarity in fast‑moving, ambiguous environments.
- Experience working with senior leaders (VP level and above).
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team‑building capabilities.
- Understanding of scientific, digital, or AI‑enabled innovation environments.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Results‑oriented with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and an ability to navigate complex global environments.
Office Working Requirements When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold 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. The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 200 799,20
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered include a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. #EA Date Posted 16-juni-2026 Closing Date 30-juni-2026 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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We're curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We're driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you'll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you'll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.
