Director of Project Management Office, Cell Therapy Technical Operations

Position Summary At AstraZeneca's, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world’s most sophisticated diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD. Responsibilities Strategic Project Execution: Directly manage or oversee the execution of complex, highly cross‑functional above‑site projects ensuring on‑time and on‑budget delivery. Portfolio Visibility & Tracking: Develop, implement, and maintain a centralized, real‑time portfolio dashboard capturing all active projects across the CTTO organization, ensuring full transparency of organizational demand, resources, and strategic alignment. PMO Vision & Self‑Sufficiency: Design and embed standard project management ways of working across CTTO to foster a PM‑enabled, self‑sufficient organization. Empower functional Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and leaders to act as independent Project Leads, requiring dedicated PMO support for critical lifecycle steps like project initiation and complex planning. Digital Transformation & AI Integration: Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the PMO by leveraging cutting‑edge digital solutions and artificial intelligence in alignment with AstraZeneca’s 2030 ambition. Partner directly with IT to design, test, and implement custom AI tools and automation strategies that streamline project management workflows. Standardization & Best Practices: Act as the authoritative voice for project management methodology within CTTO. Design, deploy, and govern standardized, highly automated tools (e.g., Project Charters, RAID logs, unified RAG dashboards) to ensure uniform, efficient ways of working across all project tiers. Governance: Partner with the CTTO Leadership Team acting as the Project Review Committee (PRC). Facilitate governance meetings to drive data‑backed, Go/No‑Go decisions, manage capacity forecasting, prioritize resource allocation, and rapidly resolve escalated project risks. Cross‑Functional Community of Practice: Foster a collaborative relationship with the internal CMC PM team to build a unified Community of Practice. Lead outward‑facing networking by engaging with enterprise PM communities outside of CTDO, influencing broader AstraZeneca standards, and integrating industry‑leading digital practices back into the organization. Supervisory Responsibilities Team Leadership: Provide direct line management to a targeted team of Cell Therapy Project Managers and external contractors deployed for peak portfolio demand or specialized planning phases. Talent Cultivation: Cultivate talent through coaching, professional development, and succession planning. Ensure the team builds the necessary matrix leadership skills, digital fluency, and strategic execution capabilities required to drive complex business objectives. Escalation Management: Lead formal issue escalation and resolution in partnership with the matrix team, sponsors, and the Project Review Committee (PRC). Essential Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree in a Life Sciences, Engineering, or relevant technical field required. Master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred. Experience: 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or Cell Therapy industry, with at least 8+ years specifically in project, program, or portfolio management. Leadership: Proven experience managing direct reports and leading PMOs or shared‑service project teams within a complex, highly matrixed environment. Technical Acumen: Deep operational understanding of cell therapy supply chain, vein‑to‑vein logistics, network capacity, and cGMP/regulatory requirements. Methodologies & Tools: Advanced proficiency in portfolio management software (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Agile). Active PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is required, with Lean Six Sigma highly desired. Communication & Influencing Skills: Outstanding written, interpersonal, and executive‑level presentation skills. Must possess the ability to distill complex operational data into clear, compelling narratives to effectively influence senior leadership, drive alignment, and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups. Change Management: Drive change management across organizational levels, and reset cultural expectations regarding project governance and resource allocation. Digital & AI Fluency: Tech‑savvy and avid practitioner of digital automation and AI tools highly preferred. Proven experience working alongside IT departments to develop and implement digital or AI‑driven solutions specifically for operational or project portfolio management is a plus. Travel: Willingness to travel occasionally for business purposes. The annual base pay for this position ranges from $149,806 – $224,708 USD Annual. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional benefits include a short‑term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity‑based long‑term incentive program; and a retirement contribution (hourly roles). Hourly and salaried non‑exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Benefits offered include a qualified retirement program (401(k) plan); paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. 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 follow all applicable laws and regulations on non‑discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr AstraZeneca