Director, R&D IT - Portfolio Management - Sr. Portfolio Analyst

Job Description

Job Title: Director, R&D IT - Portfolio Management - Sr. Portfolio AnalystLocation: GuadalajaraWork Scheme: HybridAbout AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. We are more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we foster a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives, feel valued, energized, and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.About Our IT Team R&D IT’s vision is to deliver top-tier science IT capabilities in biopharma, defined as agile, responsive, and fit-for-future. Our goal is to engage with our stakeholders as strategic partners in delivering life-changing medicines to our patients. Your role is essential in taking accountability as a leader for delivering a ‘Best in Class’ IT experience within R&D IT. Delivering the project portfolio involves individuals with hybrid skills across technical, analytical, project management, service management, BRM, and business analysis, combined with excellent knowledge of AZ Finance and Global Product and Portfolio Strategy processes. Our project analysts lead or contribute to activities such as IT process development, automation, data management, analytics, AI, machine learning, business transformation, and more, deploying various technologies including custom build solutions, packaged software, ERP solutions, SaaS, cloud-based solutions, and BI tools.About the Role The Project Analyst supports project and operations teams by leading process improvements and collaboration to streamline workflows, deliver integrated solutions, and enhance stakeholder management, aligned with IT strategy.Leadership and Strategy

• Lead technology and process transformation initiatives to align with IT strategy.

• Ensure solutions meet business and IT needs in an integrated and simplified manner.

• Optimize assets to minimize long-term total cost of ownership.

Partnership and Collaboration

• Develop partnerships with business and IT customers to drive demand for solutions.

• Collaborate with Program and Project Management, Capability Areas, and Strategy and Performance teams.

Process Development and Delivery

• Ensure timely delivery of process development within approved budget and schedule.

• Drive process improvement and automation across R&D IT measurably.

Risk and Stakeholder Management

• Effectively manage stakeholders across Business, IT, and vendor partners.

• Continuously assess risks and balance flexibility/agility with adherence to standard methods and tools.

Support and Simplification

• Support Project Managers and Business Partners in streamlining/simplifying workflows.

• Assist in improving demand and prioritization processes.

Data and Documentation

• Provide data analysis and insights to aid decision-making and strategy formulation.

• Develop and maintain documentation and reports to track project progress and performance metrics.

Process Optimization and Training

• Identify opportunities for process optimization through technology or operational adjustments.

• Provide training and support on new processes or tools.

Industry Trends and Communication

• Facilitate communications and information flow among stakeholders and teams.

• Stay informed about industry trends to enhance role effectiveness.

• Act as liaison to ensure alignment between business goals and IT capabilities.

Key Qualifications and ExperienceEducational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Technical, Science, or Business disciplines, or equivalent years of professional experience.Project Management Experience: Over 3 years of experience in project management, preferable in the Pharmaceutical IT sector.Global Exposure: Proven capability in global organizations, navigating cross-cultural environments.Leadership Engagement: Expertise in interacting effectively with senior leadership.Tool Proficiency:

• Familiarity with Product and Portfolio Management tools like Airfocus, Smartsheets, and Monday.

• Proficient in Project Management tools like MS Project and ServiceNow SPM.

Vendor Collaboration: Experience in coordinating with and overseeing third-party suppliers.Process Optimization: Track record of implementing successful process improvement initiatives.Data Management Skills: Proficiency in data management tools and techniques, including ETL and data virtualization.Analytical Tools:

• Competent in using analytical tools, particularly Excel (advanced features: pivot tables/macros), and Power BI.

Relationship and Influence: Strong skills in relationship management and influencing stakeholders.Innovative Mindset: Entrepreneurial spirit with proven ability to devise and implement innovative solutions.Communication Skills: Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.Desirable Qualifications and ExperienceCertifications: Program or project management certifications such as Prince, PMP, MSP, Agile – Scrum, or SAFe preferred.AI Enthusiasm: Eager to learn and apply AI technologies for automated analysis.Agile Experience: Experience in employing Agile methodologies. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite ambitious thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working give 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 outstanding and bold world. AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.