IT Project Manager

As part of the R&D IT team of AstraZeneca’s Alexion Rare Disease Unit (RDU), the IT Project Manager will be responsible for the planning and execution of IT projects. These projects will encompass all phases of the project life cycle, incorporating system development life cycle and Waterfall or Agile methodologies. The Project Manager is accountable for delivering projects on time, within budget, and with high quality. The IT Project Manager will work closely with business teams and various IT functions (e.g., infrastructure, solution delivery managers, architects, etc.) to deliver on various business transformation initiatives. Additionally, the IT Project Manager will partner closely with the R&D IT Portfolio lead to become a leader and trusted advisor for the R&D IT team on IT standards, policies, and guidelines as they relate to RDU IT’s Strategic Portfolio Management & Operating Model approach. This position reports to the Head of R&D IT and focuses on the implementation of projects within the area of R&D.

Accountabilities

• Driving project management processes (including scope, schedule, risk, issue, resource, and budget management). Build and maintain project plans, status reports, risk and issue logs, budget/ongoing project forecast of resources and materials, and other project-related artifacts.

• Driving accurate project chartering and setup and facilitating the definition of the project scope, achievements, tasks, deliverables, and resource requirements.

• Establishing a communication strategy in partnership with business and IT sponsors and effectively communicating project-related information to team members, IT management, and customers throughout the project life cycle.

• Performing team management, driving motivation, collaboration, and performance.

• Working with technical teams and business teams when developing technologies and communication plans to provide an optimal end-user experience.

• Managing and preparing the IT portfolio status report and dashboard for the IT-Steering Committee, plus tracking required project metrics to drive effective project execution.

• Ensuring that assigned projects are conducted in compliance with all department standards, policies, and guidelines.

• Supervising any external resources contracted to the project.

• Handling vendor relationships and driving deliverables to meet target dates.

• As required by the project, ensuring that Agile standard methodologies (i.e., Scrum, User Story management) are performed.

• Performing high-level business analysis as required to ensure a clear understanding of the scope of projects.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Minimum 5-6 years’ experience in IT program and/or Project management in biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry.

• Expert project management skills, with solid track record of leading broad, sophisticated and/or strategic projects combined with the ability to execute at tactical project-level activities and tasks.

• Solid understanding of SDLC, GxP Regulations (with focus on Good Clinical (GCP) and Good Pharmacovigilance (GVP) practices) and compliant project management.

• Demonstrated Agile delivery experience.

• Clear understanding and appreciation of business processes and challenges in the R&D function (Research/Labs, Development, Regulatory Affairs, Drug Safety).

• Demonstrated ability to integrate process, people, quality, and commitment-centric approach to getting work done.

• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization across geographies with different cross-functional partners to establish and ensure a reliable and productive working relationship.

• Strong negotiation skills and ability to influence.

• Good written and oral communication skills including capacity to comfortably collaborate with senior leaders, including executive staff.

• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment. As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• PMP / Agile certification, or equivalent.

• ServiceNow SPM & Jira experience in managing project lifecycle from initiation through closeout.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and/or Information Technology management, or equivalent.

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, our work has a direct impact on patients by transforming our ability to develop life-changing medicines. We empower the business to perform at its peak by combining cutting-edge science with leading digital technology platforms and data. Join us at a crucial stage of our journey in becoming a digital and data-led enterprise. Make the impossible possible by building partnerships and ecosystems, creating new ways of working, and driving scale and speed to deliver exponential growth.

Ready to make a difference? 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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.