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Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Hybrid
Job Title: Senior Director, Business Planning & Operations, SMM
Location: Boston, US. However, we are also open to considering candidates who would prefer to be based at our sites in Gaithersburg or Durham. We welcome applications from individuals interested in any of these locations.
Introduction to role: Are you ready to translate strategy into decisions, plans and delivery for the global engine of clinical study execution?
As Senior Director, Business Planning & Operations (BPO) for Site Management & Monitoring (SMM), you will help shape how one of the largest functions within BioPharmaceuticals Clinical Operations (BPCO) operates, performs and evolves—supporting the delivery of BioPharma studies at country and site level across a global network.
Reporting to the Executive Director, Portfolio & Enabling Functions (P&EF), you will act as Chief of Staff to the Vice President and Global Head of SMM, as well as the business planning lead for the SMM function. SMM comprises more than 2,300 full-time employees, including Functional Service Provider (FSP) colleagues, and plays a critical role in delivering clinical studies across a diverse, geographically dispersed organisation.
As the SMM Head’s principal adviser and integrator, you will run the operating rhythm of the SMM leadership team, ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into clear plans, informed decisions and effective delivery. You will provide the insight, structure and challenge needed to help steer the function through significant organisational change while maintaining focus on performance, productivity and patient impact.
You will be accountable for the annual business plan and medium-term plan for SMM, including strategic objectives, performance scorecards, budget proposals and capacity planning. You will work closely with the SMM Business Strategy & Portfolio and Finance & Capacity Management teams, which will retain ownership of their respective processes and areas of expertise.
As a senior member of the P&EF leadership team and the wider BPCO Business Planning & Operations community, you will connect SMM with broader BPCO planning, standards and decision-making. You may also lead strategic, cross-functional initiatives across BPCO and Research & Development, helping to align priorities, resources and delivery across the organisation.
This is an individual contributor role requiring influence and leadership through a broad matrix. Success will depend on your ability to build trusted relationships, bring clarity to complexity, connect strategy with execution and enable senior leaders to make effective, evidence-based decisions.
How will you use your judgment, influence and analytical rigor to unlock performance for patients and our business?
Key Accountabilities:
Chief of Staff to the VP & Global Head, SMM:
SMM business planning and strategy:
SMM Business operations and performance:
Essential Skills/Experience:
Education:
Skills and Experience:
Desirable Skills/Experience:
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.
Why AstraZeneca: Here you will power the enterprise behind the science, joining a global community that blends critical thinking with hands-on delivery to make a tangible difference for patients. We bring together diverse experts to tackle complex challenges, using data, predictive analytics and smart automation to reimagine how work gets done. You will find the freedom to challenge the norm, make quick, informed decisions and see them through—supported by dedicated peers who value kindness alongside ambition. With strong investment in your growth, access to pioneering tools and the chance to move across problems and teams, you can build momentum in your career while shaping how clinical operations perform at scale.
Call to Action: Ready to turn strategy into outcomes that accelerate trials and improve patients’ lives—at global scale and pace? Apply now to start the conversation and lead what comes next!
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $189,232.80 - $283,849.20 USD Annually. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Date Posted
23-Oct-2026Closing Date
06-Nov-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
