Director, Digital Business Partner & AI Strategy Lead

AstraZeneca is seeking an innovative technology leader to drive the digital transformation of the Cell Therapy Technical Operation organization. As Director - Digital Business Partner & AI Strategy Lead, 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 or Rockville, MD. Responsibilities: 1. Digital & IT Strategy Leadership 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. the identification and operationalization of AI/ML 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 manufacturing, supply chain and Quality Organization. 2. Innovation in Business Systems System Integration: Serve as the IT partner lead for strategic enterprise platforms including SAP, MES, LIMS, Advanced Planning Systems, and Digital 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. 3. Program Execution & Change Leadership Transformation Leadership: Drive cross-functional digital transformation initiatives, managing scope, budgets, schedules, and outcomes while delivering measurable business value Customer Experience: Redesign digital touchpoints to enhance the experience for patients, physicians, and commercial partners through intelligent orchestration platforms and automation. Skills & Experience: 14+ years of professional experience with a BS/BA (or 12+ with MS/MA/MBA) in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain, or a related technical field. Proven practical experience designing and architecting enterprise platforms, and leading technical teams to implement systems such as MES, LIMS, SAP, and Salesforce-based workflow platforms. Solid understanding of modern AI technologies (e.g., NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics) and practical application of these technologies in biopharma or manufacturing environments; experience in the pharmaceutical industry is a plus. Strong hands-on understanding of Cell therapy operations, including manufacturing, supply chain, and quality systems within regulated environments. Hands-on experience applying Generative AI and Agentic AI to accelerate the product and software lifecycle (e.g., requirements generation, user story development, automated test creation, anomaly detection, and release risk insights) is highly desirable. Track record of leading high-caliber technical teams, shaping IT strategy, and delivering enterprise systems and AI-driven capabilities within life sciences or other highly regulated industries. Strategic and execution-focused leader who can translate operational needs into scalable technical solutions while collaborating effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business teams. #CellTherapy 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. Date Posted 30-Jun-2026 Closing Date 19-Jul-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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.