Job Description

Job Title: GBS R&D Services - Process and Service Design Director
Introduction to role:
Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of healthcare? AstraZeneca is on a mission to improve the lives of 200 million patients by delivering 20 new medicines by 2030. As the GBS R&D Services, Process and Service Design Director, you'll play a pivotal role in achieving this bold aspiration. You'll be at the forefront of designing and developing services for Alexion, our Rare Disease Unit, within the R&D sector. Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their critical processes and challenges, and craft solutions that enhance capability and capacity within Global Business Services (GBS). Your strategic approach and commercial acumen will be crucial as you transition existing processes and build new ones to drive value for the business. Are you ready to lead the way?
Accountabilities:

• Build opportunities for collaboration with Alexion R&D and GBS collaborators.
• Initiate arguments for new demand or services delivery.
• Design service offerings and operating models aligned with GBS standards.
• Ensure alignment of Alexion R&D services with GBS standards through collaboration with the GBS Service Enablement team.
• Design services within the GBS BCP framework, ensuring controls and governance standards with the GBS Risk and Controls team.
• Collaborate with capability teams to design solutions meeting business needs effectively.
• Align Alexion R&D opportunities with existing capabilities across GBS.
• Engage third-party experts for operating model design when required.
• Ensure appropriate support from AZ enabling functions in proposed operating models.
• Lead the transition into BAU of GBS capability to support Alexion R&D where applicable.
• Share regular updates on project progress with key collaborators.
• Manage relationships with senior-level collaborators to ensure satisfaction and engagement.
• Represent GBS in strategic R&D planning sessions and contribute to organizational development initiatives.
• Promote AstraZeneca principles in engaging with customers.
• Act as an ambassador for GBS in all interactions.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Proven experience in a service design role within a shared services or GBS environment.
• Experience of working in a global pharmaceutical organisation, and robust understanding of the drug development life-cycle and R&D processes.
• Excellent understanding of latest developments in technology and analytic capabilities (e.g. Artificial intelligence).
• Demonstrates strong strategic and analytical skills to translate business strategies into compelling arguments and actionable plans.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence in a matrix organization, with strong collaborator management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse teams.
• Strong commercial competence and understanding of business operations.
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing GBS capabilities.
• Understanding industry guidelines and benchmarks in shared service.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Comprehensive understanding of the GBS space as well as the clear understanding of the external marketplace (current & future) to shape new opportunities. Experience in both Captive and BPO.
• Experience in the rare disease pharmaceutical market.
• Experience working with Contract Research Organisations (CROs).
• Experience in transformation programmes, with a significant technology driven element.
• Experience in driving process improvements and managing service delivery in a complex organizational setting.

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.
At AstraZeneca, you'll join a talented global team that powers our enterprise to better serve patients every day. We leverage exciting new technology and digital innovations to accelerate our evolution, strategically looking ahead to new challenges while improving current operations. Our entrepreneurial spirit encourages creativity, smart risks, and turning ideas into reality. With countless opportunities available, this is where you can build an unrivaled reputation while being rewarded for your successes. United by our passion for helping patients, we thrive in a dynamic environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and constant growth.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of our journey!
Date Posted 16-Oct-2025
Closing Date 30-Oct-2025
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.

Skills Required