Design & Planning Product Director

Introduction to the role and project

Do you have expertise in, and passion for, designing clinical research studies that balance both the experience of patients and the science? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact the future of how clinical studies will be designed to incorporate novel techniques and digital innovations in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you! At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big, and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

Welcome to Barcelona, one of over 400 sites here at AstraZeneca. Providing a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable and able to be themselves is at the core of AstraZeneca’s priorities. It’s important to us that you bring your full self to work every day. To help you maintain your best self, here’s a sneak peek into some of the things this site provides for you…

Evinova is a health-tech business within the AstraZeneca Group, accelerating the delivery of better health outcomes by propelling the life sciences sector forward in digital health. Through our application of science-based expertise, evidence-led rigour, and human experience-driven insight, our digital solutions are deliberately designed so that everyone can reach better health outcomes together. Evinova’s ambition is to transform healthcare, powered by digital, science, and collaborations, to deliver the healthcare outcomes and experience that patients care about the most. At the foundation is transforming how we work to plan and design clinical trials portfolio.

Our Digital Health product “study design and planning companion” supports clinical study design teams as they work from concept inception through protocol approval. The tool is a one-stop shop for clinical trials design and planning process using the power of data and analytics to put the information needed at the fingertips of clinical study design & planning experts (science and operations). Through this, they will have the space to create breakthrough patient and site-centric trial designs and operational plans beyond that which is predictable.

The Design & Planning Product Director supports the Head of Design & Planning by leading the work for the multiple and complex features across the study design & planning process. Under the guidance of the Head of Design and Planning, you will apply your specialized knowledge in product strategy and management to guide the exploration, development, and implementation of the app's features and capabilities. Your leadership will ensure these elements contribute to the strategic goals focused on generating value in the design, planning, and budgeting of clinical trials. The job holder works in close partnership with other members of Evinova product owners, IT, data science, process owners, and external partners. As Product Director, you report to the Head of Design & Planning.

Accountabilities

Under the leadership of the Head of Design & Planning, the role encompasses a multifaceted approach to product development and strategy. Key responsibilities are categorized as follows:

Product Strategy:
• Develop and execute a comprehensive product strategy aligned with the company's vision, incorporating market research, competitive analysis, and customer insights.
• Define and prioritize product initiatives based on customer needs, market trends, and business goals, ensuring alignment with a multiyear roadmap focused on R&D transformation strategy.
• Communicate product strategy, updates, and roadmap effectively to stakeholders, maintaining transparency and managing expectations.

Product Management:
• Lead the end-to-end product development process, from ideation to launch, managing the product backlog, and driving PI planning events.
• Utilize data analytics and user feedback to inform product decisions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, user-centric products.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end solutions, manage product lifecycle using agile methodologies, and track KPIs and success metrics.

Stakeholder & Lifecycle Management:
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including development data owners, stewards, and data engineers, to ensure alignment and meet business goals.
• Manage product lifecycle from ideation to launch and iteration, actively seeking feedback and monitoring usage patterns.
• Influence stakeholders, provide clear advice and recommendations, and ensure product risk management is reflective of potential challenges.

Leadership & Organizational Influence:
• Act as a change agent, embedding new tools and technologies into the business, measuring success, and capturing impactful stories.
• Provide leadership in the day-to-day implementation of new tools, ensuring successful global roll-out and continuous improvement.
• Offer coaching and mentoring, assisting in personal development, and fostering a ‘data-savvy’ and ‘source-first’ mentality within our client organizations.

Essential Skills/Experience
• 5+ years of experience specifically in product management within life sciences organizations, showcasing a deep understanding of product lifecycle, strategy, and user experience in this sector.
• In-depth understanding of the drug development process and the various information sources critical to trial design and execution.
• Demonstrated proficiency in managing and overseeing complex projects in a multicultural environment, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Extensive experience in global organizations, adept at navigating and collaborating effectively with geographically dispersed stakeholders and project teams.
• Proven leadership abilities, particularly in engaging and influencing senior leaders.
• Exceptional communication skills encompassing presentation, facilitation, storytelling, consulting, and leadership, ensuring clear and impactful interactions.
• Superior organizational and time management skills, facilitating efficient workflow and project management.
• A track record of defining business strategies and persuasively influencing key stakeholders with a compelling vision for a business area.
• Creative and visionary thinking, fostering innovation and forward-thinking solutions.

Desirable Skills/Experience
• A degree in Life Sciences or Technology, ensuring a solid foundation in relevant fields.
• Proficiency with Agile methodologies, design thinking practices, and GxP validation, ensuring compliance and innovation in product development.
• Expertise in designing, planning and costing clinical studies, and effectively presenting essential information to clinical study teams.
• A strong track record in clearly defining project scopes and roadmaps, leading to the development and implementation of complex solutions.
• Demonstrated success in employing a business-driven, user-centric approach to deliver solutions that meet and exceed user needs and business objectives.

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.

Be part of a team playing a critical role in driving meaningful change in how we predict, prevent, and treat patients' conditions. We embrace technology actively by harnessing digital tools to reimagine healthcare's future. Our forward-thinking mindset disrupts the status quo as we unleash creativity through new approaches. Proudly working here means fusing leading pharmaceutical tools with an agile mindset for strategic digital health solutions across R&D. We build thoughtful global partnerships internally and externally while fostering lifelong learning opportunities. Our work shapes healthcare's future by improving patient experiences during clinical trials. Join us as we co-create a digital ecosystem centered around patients.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.