Executive Director - Commercial IT Business Partner, International

Introduction to Role

Lead the technology strategy for International commercial lT across global markets! Based in Dubai, this position leads all aspects of the International region, including Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, alongside consultative coverage for Japan, China, and Russia.

The role involves setting the strategic direction for platforms, data, infrastructure, and engineering. Performing the role of senior technology partner to digital and AI leaders, the focus is on co‑owning outcomes and ensuring solutions are secure and scalable. This is an opportunity to lead a 50‑person team, bringing global capabilities like CRM, Mar Tech, and AI insight agents into local markets to improve patient care.

The core focus of this role spans strategy, delivery, and governance. For strategy and AI partnership, responsibilities include defining the International technology strategy to align with Group direction and creating a phased delivery plan for different regions. Acting as the primary technology counterpart to the Regional Digital Leader involves providing leadership for the commercial AI roadmap. Regarding global delivery and architecture, the role accelerates enterprise solution adoption and embeds security and compliance standards.

This requires establishing clear ownership boundaries between technology and the business while adapting AI‑ready data foundations for local markets. Ecosystem and financial management involve engaging partners with specific regional expertise and managing the annual International technology budget to optimise spend. Finally, people and governance duties cover leading a cross‑border team to foster a culture of continuous improvement, as well as holding joint accountability for regulatory, control, and security strategies to ensure accurate management reporting.

• A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a relevant field is required.
• Candidates need 20 plus years of practical experience with commercial IT systems, specifically CRM platforms like Veeva or Salesforce, Mar Tech, and enterprise data solutions.
• Capability in crafting and deploying AI data foundations is strictly necessary.
• The role demands experience executing IT strategy within regulated multinational environments, alongside the financial acumen to manage large technology budgets.
• Communication skills are essential to translate architectural concepts into clear business terms.
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to influence stakeholders across cultures and seniority levels is also required.

• A Master’s degree, MBA, or certifications in Enterprise Architecture or Agile delivery methodologies are preferred.
• A background in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry provides a distinct advantage, especially with experience operating in emerging markets and navigating varying regulations.
• Previous experience partnering with business‑owned AI, digital, or data science functions to scale machine learning models is highly desirable.

AstraZeneca offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support health, well‑being, and career growth! The package includes generous annual leave, funding for continuous professional development, and access to global well‑being programmes.

Flexible working arrangements are also provided to ensure a sustainable work‑life balance.

Bringing diverse teams together inspires ideas that lead to life‑changing medicines! In‑person working provides a platform to connect and work effectively. Employees work a minimum of three days per week from the office, balancing this expectation with individual flexibility. Joining the Technology community at this time means scaling a digital strategy that impacts how quickly medicines reach patients. The environment encourages collaboration with scientists, engineers, and commercial leaders to test ideas, build data platforms, and industrialise AI.

The culture combines high standards with experimentation, valuing kindness alongside ambition.