Associate Director Project Management

AstraZeneca • Durham, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a key member of the Transformation Management Office, the Associate Director, Project Management will manage transformation and improvements within R&D BioPharma Clinical Operations and across the wider R&D organisation. You will manage projects of varying scope and complexity, with a global remit and significant opportunity to deliver meaningful impact. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside professionals in project, change and transformation with a commitment to innovation. We embrace agility, foster crossfunctional teamwork, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning. In this role, you will also contribute to developing and maintaining project management standards and best practices for project teams, offering the chance to collaborate across multiple areas of the business and work on innovative changes that help shape our future. Accountabilities Reporting to the Head of Transformation Management, you will be accountable for a number of strategic projects in the transformation portfolio contributing to the organisations bold ambition. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the projects you manage are delivered successfully in collaboration with key stakeholders through the lifecycle of transformation within specified tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, benefits, and risk. What you'll do: Lead large-scale projects across a global portfolio within budget, on time and meeting the benefits anticipated by the business Manage global facing, complex stakeholders across life sciences Support the Head of TMO and the wider group on activities related to project management across multiple programs, as well as any internal TMO activities. Manage and oversee transformation and improvement projects, ensuring seamless integration across our various functions in R&D. Develop project reporting, program dashboards, KPIs, and control mechanisms including issue reports, end stage reports, exception reports, end project report, etc. Act as a liaison to the TMO and advise the group of any deviations from the project plans or timelines. Essential Skills/Experience Degree in business, scientific field and/or Project Management related qualification with 4 plus years of experience. Expertise in programme/project management, with a proven track record in managing timelines, budgets and benefits across the project life cycle Strong experience in a transformation setting or team with a deep understanding and practical application of design thinking principles and methodologies to drive innovation, user-centric solutions, and customer experience enhancements. Demonstrate strong communication and relationship building skills with the ability to influence others to achieve objectives. Ability to interpret and communicate technical information into business language and in alignment with AstraZeneca business Ability to manage complex stakeholder groups in cross functional global teams Desirable Skills/Experience Experience of defining business strategies and influencing key stakeholders of the vision for the business area Experience in working with cross functional teams Robust understanding of processes with a significant emphasis on R&D Formal qualifications in project management, change management, and/or process improvement methodologies. Experience of working in a global organization with complex/geographical context Pharmaceutical Industry experience When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash ambitious thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives 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 unique and ambitious world. At AstraZeneca, we are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with scientific innovations to achieve breakthroughs. Our inclusive environment encourages curiosity and courage, empowering you to explore without limits. With opportunities for lifelong learning and growth, you'll be part of a team that impacts patients' lives globally. Ready to make an impact? This requisition posting will close on April 30, 2026 so apply now to join us on this exciting journey! Date Posted 18-Mar-2026 Closing Date 29-Apr-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.

Requirements

• Degree in business, scientific field and/or Project Management related qualification with 4 plus years of experience.
• Expertise in programme/project management, with a proven track record in managing timelines, budgets and benefits across the project life cycle
• Strong experience in a transformation setting or team with a deep understanding and practical application of design thinking principles and methodologies to drive innovation, user-centric solutions, and customer experience enhancements.
• Demonstrate strong communication and relationship building skills with the ability to influence others to achieve objectives.
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical information into business language and in alignment with AstraZeneca business
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder groups in cross functional global teams

Nice To Haves

• Experience of defining business strategies and influencing key stakeholders of the vision for the business area
• Experience in working with cross functional teams
• Robust understanding of processes with a significant emphasis on R&D
• Formal qualifications in project management, change management, and/or process improvement methodologies.
• Experience of working in a global organization with complex/geographical context
• Pharmaceutical Industry experience

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale projects across a global portfolio within budget, on time and meeting the benefits anticipated by the business
• Manage global facing, complex stakeholders across life sciences
• Support the Head of TMO and the wider group on activities related to project management across multiple programs, as well as any internal TMO activities.
• Manage and oversee transformation and improvement projects, ensuring seamless integration across our various functions in R&D.
• Develop project reporting, program dashboards, KPIs, and control mechanisms including issue reports, end stage reports, exception reports, end project report, etc.
• Act as a liaison to the TMO and advise the group of any deviations from the project plans or timelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager