Senior Director, Data Policy and Assurance , GBS Data Office

AstraZeneca (AZ) has a bold aspiration to improve the lives of 200 million patients delivering 20 new medicines to patients by 2030. This role is critical in contributing to AZ’s long-term ambition. Global Business Services (GBS) is growing to support critical functions across the whole Enterprise. This role will be specifically focused on defining and delivering GBS opportunities within the R&D areas of the business.

The Sr Director Data Policy and Assurance plays a critical role within the GBS Data Office by establishing a clear, robust data governance framework, consistent with the enterprise standards and procedures, that will be adopted across the GBS Data Office services and providing vital second line assurance for the data risks and controls with the scope of the team.

This role will report to the Head of the GBS Data Office. The GBS Data Office provides a broad range of data services for Commercial, Finance and Enabling Units business areas. Our scope covers Data Governance, Stewardship and Assurance across numerous critical data sets, including the provision of data management services (creation, maintenance and retirement of data across its life-cycle) and the on-boarding of external commercial data to AZ systems. The team has expanded significantly over the last 24 months to c. 150+ team members, reflecting the growing team capabilities, proven track record of transitioning services (either insourcing or role transitions) and the wider enterprise need to invest in the data foundation.

This role requires a deep understanding of the data risk, policy and assurance framework that are required to govern a multi-function data office operating with a large multi-national pharmaceutical organisation. This role will work closely with partners across AstraZeneca Data, AI and Risk management community to establish and drive adoption of data processes, policies, standards, and working practices with the GBS data office. The role will also provide significant data governance thought leadership across senior stakeholders within the Commercial, Finance and Enabling functions through proactive engagement, representing data governance topics at Business Area Data Governance Councils and advocating for data risk mitigation activities / investment. The role will provide second line assurance for our services and will partner closely across AstraZeneca risk, control and assurance functions.

The role holder will be accountable for:

• Establishing a data governance framework that achieves the expectation from the Enterprise Data standards covering all of GBS data office run services.
• Lead the impact assessment for any new Enterprise data policies, standards and for changes in external regulations.
• Provide strategic and operational input to the key cross AstraZeneca’s data and risk forums including the Enterprise Data Office, Privacy Office and Enterprise Risk.
• Represent the GBS data office across Enterprise Data Working groups to ensure the functional requirements of the GBS Data Office scope is reflected in solution recommendation.
• Provide strategic data governance thought leadership for key senior stakeholders, including across our key functional Data Governance Councils which include representatives from SET-1 and SET-2 leaders.
• Support the GDO LT in the design, implementation and remediation of data assurance gaps and improvements.
• Partner with function data teams to prepare business cases to improve the data governance foundations.
• Perform second line assurance for the adherence of data standards, policies and controls for the scope of GBS Data office services.
• Execute annual data governance maturity assessments, maintain registers over critical data assets and data fit for purpose risk and issue management processes.
• Develop data governance capabilities with direct reports and building a talent pipeline.
• Develop data literacy across the data office organisation including education of the AZ policy / standard requirements and external regulations.
• Role model proactive collaboration, partnership and influence to help shape the AZ future data governance foundation.

As a member of the GDO LT contribute to wider organisation priorities including leading team engagement activities, embrace being part of multi-function shared services organisation, support customer performance reporting requirements and help to drive GBS 2030 bold ambition.

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent number of years of experience in a Data governance related field.
• 10+ years experience in a data governance and risk role with practical examples in implementing governance and risk frameworks.
• Demonstratable managerial experience in matrix organizations.
• Proficiency in governance, risk techniques and assurance methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to translate data governance objective to operational action or service delivery.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and tell a compelling story that drives action from key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with industry best practices and benchmarks in data governance design.
• Demonstrable experience of leading and growing governance and risk teams.

Desirable

• Industry experience with data in large, sophisticated data settings, consultancy or vendor experience.
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of the external market for data-related technology and standard methodologies.

GBS Acumen: understanding of the GBS / Share Service operating model and experience of working with or in both Captive and BPO.

• Experience in digital transformation and strategic change initiatives.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

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.

At AstraZeneca, you will draw on the brightest minds with diverse specialisms. Be part of a team of specialist experts who are confident in what we know and what we do but equally open and welcoming to diverse views. Here we work well with others, listening, sharing, and accepting the best solution regardless of where it comes from.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

Date Posted: 18-Mar-2025

Closing Date: 31-Mar-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.