Macclesfield, England, United Kingdom
Onsite
Are you ready to lead Operational Technology (OT) across a global manufacturing operations network and turn digital strategy into safer, more compliant and resilient plants? Do you want to shape how OT enables faster, more affordable delivery of medicines while safeguarding critical assets and patient trust?
As Senior Director of Operational Technology (Operations), you will report to the Manufacturing Digital Lead and provide technical leadership for OT across our manufacturing network. You will set direction, drive execution, and bring clarity to OT lifecycle management, risk mitigation, and regulatory readiness. Partnering closely with IT, Cybersecurity, site automation leads, and site-based OT teams, you will translate strategy into measurable outcomes that protect operations and unlock performance.
OT Strategy Execution: Lead the execution of the OT strategy across the manufacturing network, ensuring alignment with business priorities and measurable improvements in reliability, safety, and compliance.
Lifecycle Management: Drive adoption of OT lifecycle management standards so sites plan, fund, and deliver upgrades on time, reducing obsolescence and vulnerability.
Risk Management and Tooling: Ensure effective use of OT risk tools and platforms (e.g., Claroty) to identify, mitigate, and remediate high-priority risks in the OT environment.
Capability Building and Education: Engage and educate site teams on evolving OT requirements, building capability and consistency in how OT is managed day-to-day.
Network Collaboration: Act as the point of contact with site Joint Operations Teams, building collaboration, sharing best practices, and strengthening the OT network to accelerate problem-solving and delivery.
Funding and Business Planning: In collaboration with IT and other functions, support sites with medium-term planning and submissions related to OT upgrades, aligned to lifecycle strategy.
Governance and Benefits Tracking: Lead cross-functional governance for OT improvement projects, reporting costs, tracking benefits, and ensuring transparency on outcomes.
Regulatory Readiness: Lead engagement with internal audit bodies and support the manufacturing network in preparation for and engagement with external regulators, ensuring OT meets all standards and regulations.
Standards and Compliance: Ensure all OT changes and improvements adhere to AstraZeneca standards and external regulatory requirements.
External and Internal Insight: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends in OT and OT management, scanning external developments and internal performance to inform strategy and action.
A degree or equivalent experience in an appropriate subject area
Extensive experience in Operational Technology within a pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment
Detailed knowledge of OT processes, and local regulations
A strong influencer with the ability to communicate across matrix organisations and to inspire and drive change
An agile learner with the ability to work across technical domains
Extensive knowledge of the latest technical and regulatory expectations surrounding Operational Technology
Proven leadership of OT strategy across multiple sites and complex, regulated environments
Proven success implementing OT lifecycle management and funding models that reduce risk and obsolescence
Hands-on familiarity with OT security platforms and tooling (e.g., Claroty) and their integration into site processes
Experience leading OT governance frameworks, benefits tracking, and investment cases
Track record collaborating with senior collaborators across IT, Cybersecurity, and site automation, including matrix leadership of dotted-line teams
Strong regulatory engagement experience, supporting audits and inspections in highly regulated settings
Background in pharmaceutical manufacturing standards and data integrity, with practical change management and capability-building skills
Experience in industrial or automation focused work environment
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.
Here, your leadership in OT will power smart, digital-first manufacturing and directly influence how quickly and reliably we bring medicines to patients. You will work with ground breaking science and technology across a global network, collaborating with teams that prize curiosity, kindness, and ambition. With strong investment, real ownership, and the chance to shape standards that others follow, you will broaden your capabilities, build a long-term career, and contribute to bold environmental goals while helping deliver more medicines, faster and more affordably.
Step into this pivotal role and shape a safer, smarter, and more resilient manufacturing network—take the lead and make your impact today!
Date Posted
09-Jun-2026Closing Date
21-Jun-2026Our 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.Want to know if this job is worth applying to?