Senior Director - Business Planning and Operations - Science

Are you ready to be part of the future of healthcare? Can you think big, be bold, and harness the power of digital and AI to tackle longstanding life sciences challenges?  Then Evinova, a new health tech business part of the AstraZeneca Group might be for you!   

Transform billions of patients’ lives through technology, data, and innovative ways of working. You’re disruptive, decisive, and transformative. Someone excited to use technology to improve patients’ health. We’re building a new health tech business – Evinova, a fully-owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca Group. 

Evinova delivers market-leading digital health solutions that are science-based, evidence-led, and human experience-driven. Thoughtful risks and quick decisions come together to accelerate innovation across the life sciences sector. Be part of a diverse team that pushes the boundaries of science by digitally empowering a deeper understanding of the patients we’re helping. Launch pioneering digital solutions that improve the patients’ experience and deliver better health outcomes. Together, we have the opportunity to combine deep scientific expertise with digital and artificial intelligence to serve the wider healthcare community and create new standards across the sector.  

Responsible for driving the planning and operations of the Science function at Evinova. This role will serve as Chief of Staff to the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and ensure that the Science team can deliver against its goals. At Evinova, the Science function is pivotal in advancing our goal to transform health outcomes with innovative digital solutions. Composed of leading scientists, researchers and technical experts, this division spearheads research, the generation of evidence and the development of scientifically validated technologies. Working in synergy with product engineering, design and clinical teams the Science function integrates technology, measurement science, artificial intelligence and a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry to create data-driven solutions that advance clinical care and improve patient health outcomes.

As a strategic advisor and right-hand person to the CSO, they will facilitate decision-making and project management across all scientific operations and work to ensure the overall success of the group and wider company. The role will be directly responsible for key priority initiatives and play a critical role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Science function. The role requires a highly resourceful individual with strong emotional intelligence, self-motivation, and analytical skills

• Strategic planning: Assist the CSO in developing and implementing strategic initiatives and research priorities.
  • Create comprehensive roadmaps that outline key scientific research areas and development goals.
  • Conduct scenario analysis to anticipate potential challenges and changes in the scientific and regulatory landscape.
  • Facilitate alignment between the scientific team and the broader company. 
  • Organize innovation workshops that engage key stakeholders from various departments to ideate on new approaches technical and scientific approaches.  

• Project Management: Oversee key projects and initiatives on behalf of the CSO, ensuring milestones are met and projects align with strategic objectives. 
  • Monitor project timelines and milestones, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to address delays or accelerate progress in critical areas.
  • Manage budgets for scientific projects, ensuring funds are allocated appropriately and the science team delivers within budget.
  • Drive effective risk management supporting the identification and mitigation of risks that impact the successful delivery of the scientific strategy
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators for the scientific function to assess the effectiveness of its strategic initiatives.
  • Support stakeholder communication by regularly updating all stakeholders, on project progress challenges and changes through reports, presentations and meetings.

• Resource Management: Manage the allocation and optimization of resources, to ensure efficient delivery of scientific projects and objectives within budget. 
  • Support strategic workforce planning by analyzing current and forecasted workload against available resources and skill sets.
  • Determine and allocate resources including personnel based on project priorities and strategic objectives.

• Leadership Support: Provide support to the CSO in leadership responsibilities including preparing presentations and representing the CSO in meetings as required.
  • Act as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, representing the CSO. 
  • Organize and facilitate Science leadership meetings, including preparing agendas, coordinating logistics, managing time and ensuring that discussions remain focused and productive
  • Assist the CSO in identifying tasks that can be delegated to other team members. Helping to match tasks with appropriate personnel.
  • Support in conflict resolution by acting as a mediator to resolve conflicts within the team or between departments quickly and effectively.

• Operational Efficiency: Streamline operations within the CSO office, identifying and implementing improvements in processes and workflows to enhance productivity and effectiveness.  
  • Analyze existing workflows and processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies and implement new procedures.
  • Oversee the integration of new technology systems that support scientific research.
  • Facilitate smoother coordination between the scientific department and other organizational units such as IT, HR and finance.
• Team collaboration: Work closely with the Scientific leadership team to foster a collaborative environment that promotes innovation, accountability, and high performance. 
  • Facilitate the formation and operation of cross-functional teams with shared objectives and diverse perspectives.
  • Promote a speak – up culture where team members feel valued and are encouraged to provide and receive constructive feedback.
  • Organize regular Science team meetings and occasional team days that not only focus on projects but also on team bonding, creative problem-solving and professional development.
  • Facilitate skill-sharing sessions where team members can teach each other about their areas of expertise, thereby enhancing team capability and fostering a learning environment.

• Vendor and Partnership Management: Manage relationships with external suppliers and partners.
  • Work with Evinova procurement and legal to help manage and negotiate contracts for relevant products and services that support scientific projects.  
  • Support the team in identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships with relevant academic, clinical and industry groups.
  • Drive negotiations with suppliers and vendors to secure favorable terms that meet the budgetary constraints.
  • Maintain strong, ongoing relationships with key vendors and partners through regular communication, joint planning sessions and timely resolution of any issues that arise.
  • Ensure seamless integration of vendor resources into scientific projects

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Health Sciences, Public Administration or related field; Advanced degree (e.g. MBA, MPH, PhD) in a relevant discipline preferred 
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in a related role within healthcare, biotechnology or a scientific research environment, with a proven track record of successful project management and strategic implementation.  
• Strong understanding of scientific research processes and familiarity with the digital health industry’s standards and challenges. Knowledge of regulatory environments affecting healthcare and biotech is advantageous.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in team management, cross-functional collaboration and executive support. Must have experience in handling complex organizational challenges.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management with well-developed project management skills, including managing vendors, budgets, timelines, and risks. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional setting with internal as well as external partners. 
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Senior Stakeholder management skills together with proven negotiation, collaboration, and interpersonal leadership skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to think strategically and execute tactically 
• Effective problem and conflict-solving skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deal with ambiguity and create clarity 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and continuously evolving environment, showing flexibility and resilience in response to changing organizational priorities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with and managing globally distributed teams
• Project Management certifications e.g. PMP, PRINCE2 etc.
• Proficiency in data analysis and presentation software (e.g. excel, PowerPoint) 

Why Evinova (AstraZeneca)?

Evinova draws on AstraZeneca’s deep experience developing novel therapeutics, informed by insights from thousands of patients and clinical researchers. Together, we can accelerate the delivery of life-changing medicines, improve the design and delivery of clinical trials for better patient experiences and outcomes, and think more holistically about patient care before, during, and after treatment.  We know that regulators, healthcare professionals, and care teams at clinical trial sites do not want a fragmented approach. They do not want a future where every pharmaceutical company provides its own, different digital solutions. They want solutions that work across the sector, simplify their workload, and benefit patients broadly. By bringing our solutions to the wider healthcare community, we can help build more unified approaches to how we all develop and deploy digital technologies, better serving our teams, physicians, and ultimately patients.  Evinova represents a unique opportunity to deliver meaningful outcomes with digital and AI to serve the wider healthcare community and create new standards for the sector.  Join us on our journey of building a new kind of health tech business to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting-edge methods, and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

Where can I find out more?

• Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
• Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/
• Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en
• Learn more about Evinova www.evinova.com

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.