Director of Data, Analytics & AI platforms

Introduction to role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to join our team as the Director of Data, Analytics & AI Platforms in our Operations IT department. This role will be instrumental in crafting and implementing our data and analytics strategy to support business objectives and achieve our 2030 vision. The Director will play a pivotal role in designing and maintaining an integrated data ecosystem, leveraging sophisticated analytics to drive business insights, and ensuring data quality and security across our operations while efficiently leading AstraZeneca resources. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team responsible for crafting, implementing, and maintaining robust data infrastructure and analytics capabilities.

Accountabilities

Strategy and Leadership
- Collaborate with AstraZeneca Operations leadership and business partners to define and implement the data and analytics platform strategy aligned with operations business goals.
- Manage and lead a team of data and IT professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Data Infrastructure and Architecture
- Supervise the design, implementation, and maintenance of a scalable, self-optimising data infrastructure on AWS.
- Ensure the reliability, performance, and security of data platforms to align with AstraZeneca enterprise standards.
- Implement and lead platform operations and cloud resources, focusing on cost optimization and operational efficiency through a mature DevOps model.

Data Analytics and AI Platforms
- Supervise the design, implementation, and optimization of robust Data Foundation services and platforms to ensure delivery.

- PlatformOps

• AWS Environment management

• AWS Infrastructure provisioning, upgrades, and monitoring

- FinOps

• Develop strategies to lower the AWS & Snowflake costs

• Finance management - MTP, Budget, Chargeback, licenses management, contract renewals

- Lead and optimize the technology stack, ensuring alignment with security, architecture, compliance, and performance standards for:

• Storage platforms – Snowflake, S3 etc.

• Integration platforms – DBT, Snaplogic, Fivetran etc.

- Ensure automation is at the heart of our processes and technologies to ensure effective and responsive delivery timeframes.

Data & Infrastructure Observability Platform
- Develop, communicate, and implement an observability platform for five key pillars: Data Quality, Pipeline, Infrastructure, User, and Cost.
- Implement strategy to reduce AWS and Snowflake costs by 50%.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement
- Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in data and analytics within the pharmaceutical sector.
- Look to use the newest technologies in AI agentic frameworks to deliver self-healing and self-optimising data platforms.

Essential Skills/Experience
- Extensive experience in CloudOps, DevOps, DataOps, and infrastructure setup and maintenance
- Significant experience with Snowflake and AWS services, including infrastructure provisioning and orchestration services.
- Experience with observability, Cataloguing, Quality, and integration tools
- 10+ years of shown experience in a leadership role supervising data and analytics functions, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Proficiency in data transformation and analytics tools
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance in the pharmaceutical sector
- Ideally has knowledge of IT/OT integration and modern use cases such as Digital Process Twins.
- Scaled Agile / Scrum methodology experience.

The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strategic vision, driving innovation in data and analytics to support our pharmaceutical operations and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to encourage 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.

AstraZeneca is a place where innovation thrives. We are proud of our team with varied strengths that brings new perspectives to challenge the status quo. By leveraging leading technologies and exploring data, we make informed decisions that positively impact patients worldwide. Our collaborative environment empowers everyone to share ideas boldly.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join us on this exciting journey!

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.