Job Description

Location: Mississauga, Canada
Job reference: R-227308
Date posted: 05/21/2025
The Development Operations Business Enablement department is responsible for overseeing activities critical to the seamless operation of Development Operations. This encompasses various areas of Operational Excellence, including Quality & Compliance, Process Management, and Strategic Sourcing. As the Associate Director of Business Operations Leader, you will play a pivotal role in contributing and executing Development Operations strategies. Your responsibilities will include leading and successfully delivering complex projects while engaging with internal and external partners. In this role, you will contribute to and/or lead the delivery and implementation of new processes and manage established processes in the areas of operational excellence and strategic sourcing. Your involvement in shaping technical landscapes, business strategies, and healthcare environments through contributions to various initiatives is integral.

Accountabilities

Lead strategic business operations and process excellence initiatives across global clinical studies and operations. Develop and implement standardized processes, tools, and guidelines to enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify, design, and deliver process improvements and operational solutions. Serve as a process owner for Development Operations related activities. Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) sponsor for key initiatives and contribute to cross-functional operational excellence efforts. Manage relationships with external vendors, CROs, and service providers to ensure quality deliverables and operational effectiveness. Drive innovation by identifying gaps and leading initiatives to implement new technologies and ways of working. Facilitate cross-functional communication and partnership building across asset lines. Contribute to the development of department strategies and standards. Oversee the implementation of training initiatives and ensure team compliance with requirements. Provide leadership and oversight to team members, including mentoring, performance management, and professional development.

Essential Skills/Experience

Bachelors' degree or equivalent in clinical practice/healthcare, life sciences, or drug development. 8-10+ years of clinical research experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Expert knowledge of clinical operations and/or data management, and drug development processes. Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and manage multiple priorities effectively. Strong problem-solving skills with ability to address complex, abstract challenges. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Advanced ability to work in a matrix environment and develop constructive partnerships. Experience in implementing process improvements and change management initiatives.

Desirable Skills/Experience

Experience with clinical data technologies and emerging tools (data visualization, automation, AI/ML). Knowledge of regulatory requirements for global clinical trials. Prior experience working with CROs, vendors, and project stakeholders. Experience with document management systems like Veeva. Track record of successful coaching and mentoring of junior team members.

Alexion Canada

Since beginning our operations in Canada in 2009, Alexion has been working tirelessly to bring innovative medicines to the millions of Canadians living with rare diseases. Our pioneering 30-year legacy, our scientific expertise and our commitment to patient-centric decision-making are the foundations of what we are today - a company with a mission to transform lives.

Our Canadian team


We know that people living with a rare disease and their families deserve our unwavering commitment and investment into finding and accessing therapies that help them live longer, fuller lives. Our presence in Canada has grown to over 200 employees and includes a global research and development hub, made up of highly skilled professionals responsible for conducting our clinical trials in Canada and around the world, as well as our dedicated and passionate local teams that ensures our treatments reach those who need them. Together, we are driving patient impact locally and globally.

How we work

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 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.


Alexion embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements. Alexion is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.


AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.