Associate Director, AI & Operations

Company: AstraZeneca
Location: Montgomery Village
Posted on: June 26, 2025

Job Description:

At AstraZeneca, were redefining what a biopharmaceutical company can be. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our science to how we operate, bringing cross-functional teams together in pioneering new approaches to deliver life-changing medicines. Biologics Engineering (BE) and Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) are at the heart of this transformation. With over 1,000 talented professionals advancing our portfolio across Biopharmaceuticals, Oncology, and Vaccines & Immunology, these organizations are critical to achieving our bold ambition of delivering at least 20 new medicines to patients by 2030. To meet this challenge, we must embrace creative ways of working, develop next-generation talent, and demonstrate agility in an increasingly complex landscape. We are seeking a Associate Director, AI & Operations to revolutionize our operational approach through innovative AI applications and strategic analytics. In this pivotal role, you will drive meaningful change by harnessing advanced technologies to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and transform complex data into actionable insights that power exceptional business outcomes. As our catalyst for digital transformation, youll help shape the future of how we deliver on our promise to patients. At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening up new ways to work, pioneering ground-breaking methods and bringing cross-functional teams together! Biologics Engineering (BE) and Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) are pivotal organizations which have experienced significant organizational evolution concurrent with pipeline growth, with over 1000 employees working on powerful science and building AZ portfolio across Biopharmaceuticals, Oncology and Vaccines & Immunology to deliver on our promise to patients. As we embark on our next phase of our journey and with our new bold ambition of delivering at least 20 new medicines to patients by 2030, the BE and OTD organizations must adopt creative ways of working, build next generation talent, expand to new capabilities and demonstrating agility in a fast-paced product development process. We are seeking a dynamic professional to revolutionize our operational landscape through innovative AI applications and strategic analytics. This role represents a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change across the organization by harnessing the power of advanced technologies to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and deliver exceptional business outcomes. As our AI & Operations Excellence Specialist, you will be the catalyst for digital transformation, turning data into actionable insights and complex challenges into elegant solutions. Responsibilities: Operational AI Drive the implementation of operational AI solutions across various departments to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes. Lead efforts in integrating AI technologies within existing systems to automate routine tasks, resulting in improved reporting accuracy and communication speed. Champion the use of AI-driven insights to optimize department workflows, reduce manual workload, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. Collaborate with AI vendors and external partners to explore new technologies and tools that can be leveraged to solve operational challenges. Collaborate with team members to define key performance indicators (KPIs) and create AI-enhanced dashboards for real-time monitoring of department performance. Analytics Update ongoing finance files and templates looking for automation and simplification opportunities Develop financial analysis and scenarios to inform decision-making Maintain an up-to-date headcount change log database, leveraging automation and stakeholder management to ensure accuracy Track execution of operational budget tasks including cross-charging and eventual HC and transaction auditing Build and maintain comprehensive reports to track spending across various centers, identifying and correcting any deviations as necessary. Utilize AI algorithms for predictive modeling to forecast financial scenarios and project performance, aiding in better decision-making Process Support Ensure documentation for Leadership meetings is completed in time according to meeting and pre-read norms by liaising with presenters and consolidating topics into an unified document Ensure timely updates to key department goal tracking mechanisms including Portfolio Tracking and Scorecard Prepare quarterly or monthly output reports for leadership and department from Portfolio and Scorecard tracking, highlighting changes, improvements, and insights on project performance Use AI to streamline processes, such as travel expense tracking, by automating approval workflows and notifications Maintain and continuously update the travel spreadsheet; prepare communication related to approval and non-approval notifications. Facilitate cross-functional workshops or training sessions to improve understanding and usage of tracking tools Strategic Transformation Management Align cross-functional teams on high-impact initiatives to advance strategic priorities and maximize business value. Lead proactive planning and problem-solving to resolve executive barriers, develop creative solutions, and ensure seamless delivery of transformation objectives Champion AI-driven reporting solutions that provide real-time, actionable insights to empower effective decision-making Track progress on key projects and initiatives, providing regular status updates to leadership. Education and Experience Bachelors degree 10 years of experience or masters degree 5 years of experience in biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology or Computer Science fields Experience in operational roles with a focus on process improvement and efficiency. Proven track record in implementing AI or automation solutions within an organization Desired skills Critical Thinker: Ability to analyze complex processes and identify opportunities for AI-driven improvements. Strong analytical skills: Comfort with financial data, KPIs, and predictive modeling. Excellent Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration and reporting. Project Management: Experience coordinating and managing cross-functional projects. Adaptability: Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment and manage multiple priorities. Other Attributes Innovative mindset: Willingness to explore and integrate new technologies to solve operational challenges. Team player: Collaborative approach with an enthusiasm for facilitating inter-departmental workshops and training sessions. documentation for Leadership meetings is completed in time according to meeting and pre-read norms by liaising with presenters and consolidating topics into an unified document What’s Next? Ready to make a significant! Apply today and become a key contributor to our innovative team! For more details, get in touch with Brandon Mays, our Talent Acquisition Partner. Why AstraZeneca? At AstraZeneca, we seize opportunities to innovate and redefine what’s possible in biopharmaceuticals. Our mission to deliver transformative medicines is underpinned by a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and ambition. Join us in a role where your work directly gives to breakthroughs in oncology, empowering patients and changing lives. Competitive Benefits and Compensation: We offer a competitive Total Reward program, including market-driven base salary, bonuses, long-term incentives, and comprehensive health benefits. Additional benefits include generous paid time off, retirement plans, and access to ongoing professional development opportunities. Diversity and Inclusion: AstraZeneca is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse environment where all employees feel valued and empowered. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and are proud to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunity throughout the recruitment process. The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $134,892.80 - $202,339.20 USD Annual, either as annual base pay or as the hourly rate (annual base pay divided by 2080 hours)]. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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 (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included 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. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors

Keywords: AstraZeneca, Frederick , Associate Director, AI & Operations, IT / Software / Systems , Montgomery Village, Maryland