At AstraZeneca we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the upmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing.

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energised and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

The AstraZeneca Business Resilience Framework comprises 4 key disciplines (Business Continuity Management, Crisis and Issue management, IT Disaster recovery and cyber security, and Emergency site response). We are looking for a Global Process Owner, providing enterprise-wide leadership for one of these key components, Business Continuity Management.

In this role, you will own the AstraZeneca standard on Business Continuity Management, agreeing the delivery approach with key stakeholders including the Chief Risk Officer, the Group Controller and Head of Enterprise Risk, Business Resilience and Financial Compliance. You will ensure this standard is effectively and efficiently deployed across all AstraZeneca business areas and appropriate assurance can be provided.

This role will interface with all SET areas and enabling units, identifying and building effective working relationships with key stakeholders, understanding the current status of Business Continuity Management in each and agreeing priority areas to address.

You will provide subject matter expertise and guidance to the business, recommending changes to the requirements for Business Continuity Management in response to evolving best practice, the development of regulatory requirements and changing strategic priorities within AstraZeneca.

You will act as the focal point for all Business Continuity questions from SET areas and enabling units, providing training materials, templates and practical guidance, support and direction.

Accountabilities:

Global Process Owner of the AstraZeneca Standard and Framework for Business Continuity Management

• Recommend an appropriate Standard and Global Framework for Business Continuity Management, ensuring an appropriate balance between operational resilience and the ongoing cost of maintaining the capability is achieved.

• Agree the Standard and the Framework with Chief Risk Officer.

• Ensure the Standard and Framework is effectively communicated and embedded in all business areas.

Drive Priorities and Progress for Business Continuity Management across AstraZeneca

• Conduct an initial baselining exercise to understand current status quo

• Identify and agree the essential core activities and strategic priorities around which AstraZeneca needs to be most prepared

• Establish, maintain and engage a network of key Business Continuity practitioners across all SET areas and enabling units to:

  • Reinforce the importance of Business Continuity Management across AstraZeneca

  • Ensure standards are applied consistently, efficiently and effectively across all business areas

  • Share internal and external best practice

  • Identify key gaps / overlaps and agree and implement plans to address

• In conjunction with the Director Enterprise Risk and Business resilience, identify key dependencies / interfaces with other disciplines in the Business Resilience framework and ensure these are addressed efficiently

Monitoring, Testing and Assurance

• Develop a framework for testing BCPs which gives sufficient management assurance that plans will be effective whilst minimising the risk of disruption arising from testing.

• Design, develop and implement a process to provide ongoing assurance of the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca Business Continuity Framework to SET, the Chief Risk Officer and the Board

Improving Organisational Capability and Culture

• Provide a toolkit of templates and practical guidance to support the Business Continuity Management Standard

• Design and implement an appropriate training curriculum supporting different levels of expertise (awareness through to the owner of Business Continuity Plan)

• Subject matter expert for the organisation ensuring the AstraZeneca Standard and Framework for Business Continuity

• Management appropriately reflects developments in regulatory requirements and good practice

• Represent Business Continuity Management at the Business Resilience Board

Other

• Support the Head of Enterprise Risk, Business Resilience and Financial Compliance and the Director Enterprise Risk and Business Resilience at Business Resilience Board.

• Preparation of appropriate papers and briefings for senior stakeholders including Chief Risk Officer, SET and the Audit Committee

• Act as deputy for Director Enterprise Risk and Business Resilience

Experience required:

Essential:

• Degree level or equivalent

• Working in or with global/international business (ideally FTSE 100)

• Extensive experience of Business Continuity Management / Risk management in multinational business

• Used to working across functional and geographical boundaries

• Highly self-motivated

• Ability to successfully influence outside direct reporting lines

• Excellent communication skills

Desirable:

• Understands financial transaction and/or reporting processes in AZ

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.