VP, Head of AI Enterprise Process and Innovation Centre (EPIC)

UK & USA Locations

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional executive to lead AI-EPIC (AI Enterprise Process and Innovation Centre) with AstraZeneca Enterprise AI unit. Reporting to the SVP Chief Digital, Data and AI Officer, sitting on the EAI Leadership Team as well as on HR Leadership Team, this VP is responsible for 4 critical pillars of AstraZeneca AI Strategy: AI for Enabling Units, Enterprise Process & Innovation, User Experience, AI Learning & Development.

EPIC mission is to reimagine work across the enterprise, applying AI to solve complex problems and reimagine critical processes, while putting people, trust, and change adoption at the centre of every solution we build.

This role requires a visionary leader who can balance Strategic thinking with hands-on Execution across People – including adoption and change management - , Process and Technology - including MVP delivery, also ensuring that usage analytics and outcome data effectively inform model updates and business decision-making processes.

​The role holder will thrive in AstraZeneca's collaborative, matrix-driven environment and will serve as a role model for successful cross-functional and agile working, orchestrating teams and projects smoothly and efficiently across the matrix. Strong partnership with business functions is critical.

This leader must be passionate about developing organizational capabilities and driving behavioural change, demonstrating the ability to influence and inspire teams across the enterprise to embrace AI innovation while maintaining operational excellence.  

AI FOR ENABLING UNITS:

• The responsibilities include the design, creation and launch of AI solutions for Enabling Units where they matter most: Business Development (BD), Compliance, Finance, Global Corporate Affairs, GPPM, Human Resources (HR), Legal and Procurement, and embedding reusable AI across those core functions

PROCESS & INNOVATION:

• The responsibilities include (1) designing and delivering usable AI solution MVPs that prove value for the enterprise and (2) redesigning complex and critical processes to deliver faster, scalable enterprise value, working in tandem with the other EAI teams aligned to R&D, Commercial and Manufacturing.

• The team will partner with AIT and IT to productise and scale.

• This team will also lead roll out of large transformation Enterprise AI programs, such as AZ EveryDay AI, in close partnership with IT and business functions.

AI USER EXPERIENCE:

• The responsibilities include partnering with AI functions to establish human-centred design and user experience capabilities across AI programmes, making AI usable, and engaging people at every critical stage of the AI solution design journey to increase adoption.

AI L&D

• The responsibilities include being an active player of the AI upskilling of EAI and AZ employees, working hand in hand with HR and the various business L&D teams.

Key Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and execution of comprehensive workflow optimization strategies that align with AstraZeneca's operational excellence objectives and digital transformation initiatives

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate extensively, with agility and pragmatism, with other EAI teams, Global Business Services (GBS) and other key stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of optimization initiatives across organizational boundaries

• AI Automation Implementation: Drive the design, development, and deployment of AI-powered automation solutions to eliminate operational toil and remove critical bottlenecks across business functions, in partnership with other EAI teams where relevant

• Performance Measurement: Establish and maintain robust analytics frameworks to measure success through cycle-time reduction, quality improvements, adoption and user satisfaction metrics

• Change Management Excellence: Drives change and provide when appropriate white-glove change management support when required, ensuring smooth adoption of new processes and technologies across affected teams

• Knowledge Management: Develop, publish, and maintain comprehensive playbooks and best practices for organizational reuse and scalability

• Team Leadership: Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team of workflow optimization specialists, agile engineers, and change management professionals

• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with enabling leaders, scientists, clinicians, field teams, and business leaders to understand operational challenges and deliver targeted solutions

• Continuous Improvement: Drive ongoing assessment and refinement of existing workflows and automation solutions to maximize organizational impact and return on investment

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related technical field

• Advanced degree (Master's/MBA) preferred

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in large organisation

• Proven track record of implementing AI/ML automation solutions in enterprise environments

• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in workflow optimization, process improvement, or digital transformation roles

• Experience working within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or highly regulated industries

• Strong background in change management methodologies and organizational transformation

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies and their practical applications in workflow automation

• Proficiency in process mapping, workflow analysis, and optimization methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)

• Experience with data analytics platforms and performance measurement frameworks

• Knowledge of enterprise software systems and integration approaches

Leadership and Soft Skills:

• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities with experience building high-performing teams

• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with ability to influence senior stakeholders. Strong ability to listen

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach

• High agility

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining quality standards

Desirable Experience

Additional Education:

• PhD in relevant technical discipline

• Professional certifications in process improvement (Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean certification)

• Project management certifications (PMP, Agile/Scrum Master)

Specialized Experience:

• Experience specifically within pharmaceutical R&D, clinical operations, or commercial functions

• Experience with regulatory compliance requirements in pharmaceutical operations

• International experience managing global teams and initiatives

Advanced Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience with specific AI/ML platforms and automation tools

• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and enterprise architecture

• Experience with advanced analytics and business intelligence tools

• Understanding of API integration and system interoperability

Industry Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical value chain and operational complexities

• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and other regulatory frameworks

Why Join Us?
 

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. 

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and be part of a team dedicated to revolutionizing talent acquisition in the pharmaceutical industry, we want to hear from you! Join us at AstraZeneca and let's make a real difference in the lives of patients around the world. 

Office Working Requirements
 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold 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.

The annual base salary for this position in the US ranges from $311,452 to $468,000 However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles). Benefits offered included 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. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.