Head of Innovation Strategy & External Liaison

Be empowered to be innovative and creative where difference is valued

Join a place built on innovation and creativity. Where different views and perspectives are welcomed and valued. An environment that champions inclusion, and teams that reflect the diversity of the communities that we serve.

Build a long-term career by unlocking opportunities for lifelong learning

Build unrivalled capabilities in a place that promotes learning agility and offers development opportunities. We never stand still so you'll have the chance to constantly grow your abilities, skills and knowledge. Here we are a fusion of challenging and interesting work, in an energising and inspiring environment.

Our Gothenburg site is one of AstraZeneca's three strategic R&D centres. Here, you'll feel a global atmosphere in a multinational environment. Collaboration comes in all forms - across teams, functions, countries and even companies. With more than 2,400 employees from over than 50 countries, our vibrant Gothenburg site is a truly inspiring place to work.

What you'll do

* Define and deliver in collaboration with other Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PTD) functions and partners an Innovation business process and strategy (including both technology and expertise) that drives the delivery of innovative medicines design and differentiated commercially viable tools and processes and by that supports AstraZeneca's future portfolio readiness.
* Establish a PTD business development capability (in collaboration with Global Product and Portfolio Strategy and Business Development Organisation) to facilitate evaluation and potential acquisition of technology opportunities.
* Conduct analysis and evaluate industry, competitive technology trends in designated areas to define business opportunities and threats.
* Proactively search, evaluate, test and drive feasibility studies for new science and technology opportunities in areas such as drug delivery, formulation, analytical, devices, packaging, drug substance /drug product manufacturing processes.
* Own and manage the collaboration and innovation feasibility budgets and drive feasibility studies in collaboration with internal and external functions/groups/institutions/hubs etc. leading to identification and selection of concepts for full implementation in the AZ portfolio of products.
* Propose and embed innovation solutions into the new product development. Inform and advise product technology/drug delivery strategies to respond to current and future TA and patient needs. Actively push new product /device technology opportunities to project and product development teams.
* Build an insight/foresight platform and pipeline forecast models to visualise and understand future science and technology requirements.
* Establish an industry leading global model for active technology hunting and evaluation of opportunities coming out from universities, start-ups and other commercial actors. Build wider understanding about the technology landscape including monitoring competitors and how that may impact AZ business now and in the future.
* Develop and implement a value focused business innovation processes including decision points, readiness assessments and funding principles to take a new technology concept into full scale implementation.
* Establish, coordinate, develop and lead Advisory Panels for Drug Substance, Drug Product and Devices
* Facilitate securing Intellectual Property strategies and maintaining freedom to operate as a business
* Participating member of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development Leadership Team, having a key role in shaping, building and implementing the vision and strategy.
* Direct the external awareness and influence for new technology, regulatory requirements and novel product platforms.

Essential

* Strong scientific background in the pharmaceutical industry.
* A track record of successful leadership and delivery within a matrix organisation. Ideally past experience of working across a number of pharmaceutical disciplines.
* Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively internally and externally
* Significant change management experience is essential to enable building the functional capability.
* Demonstrates ability to influence across disease and therapy areas enabling effective portfolio development.
* Experience and track record in innovation, collaboration and product development.
* Strong strategic and entrepreneurial thinking.
* Able to interpret complex situations and information in order to provide strategic clarity and opportunity.
* Strong project management and leadership skills and experienced at managing multidisciplinary teams.

Desirables

* PhD qualification in one of the main scientific areas - chemistry, biology, pharmacy.
* Experience from working within more than one function and having worked in different companies.

Why AstraZeneca

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.