Director, IT Business Partner & Strategy Lead

AstraZeneca is seeking an innovative and strategic IT Business Partner and Strategy Lead to drive the digital transformation of the Cell Therapy Development & Operations (CTDO) organization. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the bridge between CTDO business stakeholders and global IT, leading the design and execution of enterprise-wide technology and AI initiatives.

You will champion the adoption of advanced digital platforms, intelligent automation, and enterprise systems to enable scalable, data-driven operations, delivering measurable value across the cell therapy value chain and transforming the patient and customer journey into alignment with AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Ambition. You will report to the Executive Director, Head of Operation Cell Therapy IT and will be based in Gaithersburg, MD.

• Enterprise IT Alignment: Lead a talented team and partner closely with global IT, digital, and data teams to define and execute a cohesive digital transformation roadmap aligned with business and technology strategies across clinical and commercial operations.
• AI Strategy & Use Case Development: Lead the identification and operationalization of AI and digital applications that drive predictive analytics, intelligent planning, supply chain optimization, manufacturing insights, and personalized therapy orchestration.
• Technology Vision: Establish a future-ready vision for digitally enabled business processes—leveraging AI, cloud platforms, and advanced data architectures—to unlock productivity and scalability across CTDO functions.

• System Integration: Serve as the IT partner lead for strategic enterprise platforms including SAP, MES, LIMS, Advanced Planning Systems, and cell orchestration systems, ensuring seamless interoperability and AI-readiness.
• Process Digitization: Collaborate with Cell Therapy business leads to define requirements and deliver foundational to advanced digital solutions across the cell therapy value chain—Strategy, Planning, Scheduling, Slot Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Vein-to-Vein Logistics.
• Data Management & Governance: Collaborate with IT to implement modern data infrastructure, ensuring robust data privacy, integrity, and accessibility across digital platforms and AI models.

• Transformation Leadership: Drive cross-functional digital transformation initiatives, managing scope, budgets, schedules, and outcomes while delivering measurable business value.
• Change Enablement: Lead organizational change management efforts by fostering digital fluency, process maturity, and stakeholder alignment across Cell Therapy Development Organization and partner functions.
• Customer
  
  Experience:
  
  Redesign digital touchpoints to enhance the experience for patients, physicians, and commercial partners through intelligent orchestration platforms and automation.

• 14+ years of experience with BS/BA or 12+ with MS/MA/MBA, ideally in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Track record in leading talented teams, IT strategy, enterprise system implementation, and AI integration within life sciences or highly regulated industries.
• Deep understanding of cell therapy operations, including supply chain, manufacturing, and quality systems.
• Demonstrated success as a business lead in deploying large-scale platforms such as SAP, MES, LIMS, or cloud-based orchestration systems.
• Strong knowledge of modern AI technologies (NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics) and how to apply them in a biopharma manufacturing context and experience in pharma industry is a plus.
• Strategic thinker and influential leader with experience managing diverse, high-performing, cross‑functional teams.

Join us at AstraZeneca and be part of a team that’s transforming cell therapy operations through AI and digital innovation, advancing life-changing treatments for patients around the world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $153K to $229K. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short‑term incentive bonuses, equity‑based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

#cell therapy

Date Posted 08-Dec-2025

Closing Date 04-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.