Director, Digital Business Partner & AI Strategy Lead

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking an innovative technology leader to drive the digital transformation of the Cell Therapy Development & Operations (CTDO) 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, 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 CTDO functions. 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 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. 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 $165K to $245K. 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. #celltherapy Date Posted 10-Mar-2026 Closing Date 23-Mar-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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• experience in the pharmaceutical industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collaborate with IT to implement modern data infrastructure, ensuring robust data privacy, integrity, and accessibility across digital platforms and AI models.
• Drive cross-functional digital transformation initiatives, managing scope, budgets, schedules, and outcomes while delivering measurable business value
• Redesign digital touchpoints to enhance the experience for patients, physicians, and commercial partners through intelligent orchestration platforms and automation.

Benefits

• 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.
• opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles.

What This Job Offers

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