Associate Director Data Governance & Policy

It’s our knowledge of patients, fused with our forward-looking approach and innovations, that helps us to spot opportunities, get involved earlier and approach access sustainably. 

Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) is the organization that turns brilliant science into actual medicines that help millions of people. We work across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations and devices for new medicines and providing expert technical support to all AstraZeneca’s commercial drug substances and products to ensure we successfully supply medicines to patients. 

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Governance Specialist to join our Data Governance team, within the Digital Science area in PT&D. 

Our overarching goal is to drive digital transformation through sustainable practices, AI-powered and patient-focused drug development, while championing innovative technologies, process automation, and efficiency enhancement for a sustainable and innovative future. 

This is an exciting opportunity to make an impact in a growing capability within Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) focused on Data. 

Introduction to role 

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of Data Standards, Data Quality & Data Policy. Working closely with PT&D business representatives, the Enterprise, R&D, and Operations Data Offices, as well as other members of the PT&D Data teams, this role is a key enabler in improving our data quality. 

Accountabilities 

The role holder will execute the following accountabilities with a high level of autonomy: 

• Define, approve, communicate and implement principles, policies, procedures and standards to ensure good data quality and management 

• Define and develop indicators of Data Governance performance and quality metrics to ensure and maintain compliance with data-related policies, standards, roles and responsibilities 

• Work with Business Areas and Data Teams to improve the quality and value of core data assets 

• Identify, develop and support Data roles within the Data Governance framework ensuring clear responsibilities for the stewardship principal data assets 

• Build & support a PT&D data stewardship network committed to achieving high standards of data quality and data protection 

• Establish & chair forums and working groups to ensure that there are clear accountabilities and audit trail of actions and decisions around the management of Data Governance activities, issues and risks 

• Continually identify opportunities for improvement in line with AZ Wide Data Quality initiatives and industry best practice 

• Produce effective communications and publicity material to help inform and gain ‘Buy in’ across a large-scale diverse organisation on the Data Governance Framework. Deliver roadshows, attend meetings to ensure all departments are focused on treating Data as an asset  

• Lead forums and working groups to ensure Data issues and risks are identified, audit logs set up and the mitigation actions and decisions taken 

• Act as the subject matter expert and point of contact for Data Governance/Data Quality for our Business Area. Take responsibility for supporting and facilitating timely resolution of Data Quality issues and the mitigation of associated risks 

• Produce high-quality communication including progress reports to senior leaders 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the development of Data Standards and Policies to ensure good quality Data across AZ 

• Ensure that we are innovative in our thinking: using cutting-edge technology, processes and AI as we introduce strong Data Quality policies and procedures across PT&D 

Essential Skills/Experience 

• Undergraduate degree in a Computer Science, Data Management or possibly area (R&D, Finance, HR etc) and cross-trained or equivalent number of years of experience 

• Demonstrable experience in a Data Governance role 

• Experience in a large-scale Data Governance team, defining and implementing Data Standards & Policies 

• Experience implementing industry-specific regulatory requirements and emerging trends and issues 

• Experience in managing projects with cross-departmental impact and the ability to prioritise and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously 

• Previous experience working with data quality and data protection management practices  and with with Data Management tools 

• Proven interpersonal and communication skills to translate, promote and embed a Data Governance Framework and supporting Policies ensuring consensus across a large scale and diverse organisation 

• Problem-Solving: Proficiency in identifying issues, analysing situations, and developing effective solutions within the scope of data policy and governance 

• Experience in working in multi-skilled, multi-location data teams, working to agile principles. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication, and consultancy skills 

Desirable Skills/Experience 

• Domain data understanding: the structure, provenance and meaning of the source data crucial to the domain  

• Technology Knowledge: Familiarity with data technologies, including databases, data lakes, and data warehousing solutions, and tools for data visualization and reporting 

• Reference data management understanding; use of controlled vocabularies in large enterprises 

• Data Products for using data to provide insights, automate processes, and facilitate decision-making. 

• Knowledge graphs for improving the effectiveness of analytical models and AI systems by providing a rich context to data. 

• Knowledge of key AZ policies and standards for data covering areas such as privacy and security 

• Project Management 

• Team manager 

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth for AstraZeneca while making people's lives better. We thrive on innovation, leveraging cutting-edge science, digitalization, and sustainable practices. Our inclusive environment supports personal growth, encourages curiosity, and offers global career opportunities. Join us in our mission to turn molecules into medicines through rigorous development processes. 

Ready to make a difference? Apply with your CV and cover letter no later than April 23rd 2025! 

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer. 

 
Opening date: April 10th, 2025 
Closing date: April 23rd, 2025