Head of Quality Operations - Business Planning & Performance

About the role

AstraZeneca's Quality Operations is a global function covering quality assurance and quality control for internal and external manufacturing of clinical and commercial products. The Head of Business Planning and Performance reports directly to the Head of Quality Operations and acts as a senior strategic partner and trusted adviser, connecting strategy, planning, finance, performance and delivery across the function. The role owns the medium-term plan, annual business plan, budget, headcount, performance framework and leadership rhythm, and oversees major projects such as the implementation of the required Quality operating model.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Head of Quality Operations as a trusted adviser, run the leadership team's planning and performance calendar, and escalate material issues with recommendations.
• Own the medium-term plan and annual business plan, lead the budget and forecasting process with Finance, and manage headcount planning with HR and Finance.
• Provide a single view of performance, customer and financial themes, and ensure issues have owners, actions and due dates.
• Gain strategic insight from AstraZeneca and partner with AstraZeneca Quality on planning, budgets and priorities, representing Quality Operations in planning forums.
• Oversee major projects and programmes, including the new Quality operating model, with clear owners, plans, measures and governance.
• Maintain strong links with stakeholders across Alexion Rare Disease Unit and AstraZeneca, including Finance, HR and project leaders.
• Keep reporting, planning and governance simple, useful and proportionate, using data, analytics and AI-supported tools responsibly.

Required profile

• 5-8 years in business planning, performance, strategy, finance or business management in a senior leadership role, ideally as a trusted adviser or business partner.
• Senior experience in the Quality Function of a Contract Laboratory, Contract Manufacturing Operations or Quality Operations.
• Degree in science, engineering, business, finance, economics, analytics or a related discipline.
• Track record of overseeing or delivering major projects and programmes.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of regulatory, compliance, manufacturing and pharmaceutical development.
• Experience with budgets, forecasts, headcount and resource planning.
• Experience leading or coordinating a medium-term plan or equivalent.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing at senior level, and ability to turn information into clear actions.

We prefer experience implementing a new operating model, managing large budgets, using customer feedback to improve performance, experience with planning systems, a project/change management qualification, and familiarity with data integrity, analytics and responsible use of AI. The closing date is 30 December 2026.