Director, Operations IT - Business Partner, Manufacturing Execution Systems
Are you ready to set the global direction for digital manufacturing and turn MES into a strategic lever for speed, quality, and compliance that gets medicines to patients sooner? This role leads the vision and delivery of modern execution platforms across our manufacturing network, transforming how we operate with data and technology. As Director, Operations IT - Business Partner, Manufacturing Execution Systems, you will convert bold enterprise goals into a pragmatic roadmap, aligning solutions such as Werum PAS-X and Tulip with ERP and automation to standardize processes, assure data integrity, and elevate performance. You will bring clarity to complex requirements, prioritizing investments that improve throughput, reduce risk, and strengthen compliance. You will partner with Manufacturing business process owners, site leaders, global IT teams, and vendors to build capabilities at scale and sustain outcomes. Suitable applicants from other AZ hub/Operations sites will be considered. Can you see yourself turning intricate manufacturing needs into resilient, scalable systems that make production safer and smarter? Accountabilities
- Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the global MES strategy aligned to AstraZeneca’s 2030 ambition, translating business goals into measurable operational outcomes.
- Technology Roadmap: Build and maintain a forward-looking MES roadmap that leverages technology advancements to enhance execution, quality, and compliance across sites.
- Global Program Planning: Proactively plan and prioritize multi-site MES programs and projects with regions and sites to drive consistent adoption and demonstrable value.
- Design and Standardization: Govern end-to-end design, configuration, integration, and deployment to deliver standardized templates and enterprise efficiencies.
- Regulatory and Quality Alignment: Ensure solutions meet GMP, FDA, and company standards, embedding best practices that protect product quality and patient safety.
- Performance Optimization: Continuously assess system performance and drive improvements in usability, reliability, and throughput.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with Manufacturing BPOs, site teams, IT, ERP teams, and external providers to co-create solutions and sustain outcomes.
- IT Delivery Leadership: Coordinate Business Analysts, Architects, and Service Delivery teams to plan, deliver, and operate MES globally with robust SLAs.
- Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure cybersecurity-by-design and validation rigor; manage risks across the MES lifecycle.
- SOPs and Validation: Establish and maintain SOPs governing MES usage, data integrity, and system validation.
- Budget Ownership: Own MES program budgets, maximize ROI, and maintain transparency on cost, value, and risk.
- Vendor Management: Evaluate, select, and manage MES vendors and partners to ensure performance and alignment with strategy.
- Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field
- Previous experience in IT within manufacturing, with demonstrable experience in a leadership role focusing on MES.
- Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, GMP practices, and regulatory frameworks.
- Proficiency in MES platforms (Werum PAS-X and/or Tulip) and their integration with ERP and automation systems.
- Proven ability to lead global teams and manage complex, large-scale projects.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges and deliver solutions.
- Proven ability to work with external vendors.
- Proven ability to work with global teams in relation to MES platforms.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.