The GBS Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a member of the GBS Leadership team reporting to the Vice President (VP) of Global Business Services. The role provides support to the VP in developing, shaping & driving GBS strategy as well as oversight of critical business initiatives, supporting major change initiatives, driving development of key materials including board presentations, GBS performance dashboards and ensuring timely operationalization of executive decisions. In addition, the COO has delivery accountabilities, delivering one of our service lines to all functional groups across the enterprise.

This role also plays a key role in representing the VP and GBS-LT view and being the key liaison to other AZ functions and business unit areas. The role therefore requires an individual with the ability to operate credibly from senior management to front line employees.

Shape the strategy

• Develop and implement the strategic plan for the GBS organisation in line with the AstraZeneca business strategy. Bring external and internal thought leadership to the leadership team and embed in strategic recommendations.
• Identify major capability, technological and socioeconomic changes to evaluate and recommend changes to drive an efficient global operating model for the GBS function
• Drive key initiatives on behalf of VP and GBS LT including the continuous review of the organizational strategy

Be an ambassador

• Act as an ambassador of the VP, supporting her in internal and external meetings (provide clarity of scope and objectives – leading the compilation of briefing materials) including Senior Executive Team briefings and Governance forums.
• Understand and handle key stakeholder needs, ensure alignment of objectives and roadmap of key strategic topics that may have a cross-functional impact
• Key interface between GBS and the rest of the organization. Ensure service delivery meets or exceed expectations.

Operationalize the strategy

• Translate GBS strategy into operational execution. Manage the performance of GBS, ensuring quality, risk management, service delivery excellence, cost-effectiveness and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deploy excellent analytical skills in the review of complex strategic issues and provide input and recommendations towards innovative solutions.
• Drive Innovation within GBS, including the adoption of new technologies, processes or business models that can enhance service delivery or efficiency.
• Lead the management of the GBS LT meeting agendas, deliver clear summaries of agreements, and ensure timely follow-up of key initiatives.
• Work closely with Enabling functions, drive GBS engagement, communications, change, and people development agendas across the organization (including hiring, training and development).
• Responsible for Site Engagement for all GBS sites. Partner with local site leads to ensure a strong approach to employee engagement and communication.
• Identify, assess and mitigate operational and business risks associated with GBS activities.
• Customer Service: Ensure that the GBS organization provides high quality service to our internal/external customers.
• Working with the finance business partner to own the GBS financial performance including pricing strategy, financial sustainability, cost management and investment process.
• Own and manage the geographic footprint of GBS organization and recommend opportunity areas to respond based on changing workforce and geographic trends, strategic workforce planning, in partnership with GBS LT and other SET areas. Execute on agreed upon changes based on financial, innovation and efficiency metrics.
• Own and manage the GBS Operating Model to ensure effective running of the organization including scorecard and objective setting.
• Own and deliver communications across GBS, including engagement and communication strategy across AZ with customers and within GBS with employees and third parties.
• Project Management: Own and manage GBS wide program management including GBS transformation program management and GBS transition management.
• Run and own enterprise wide service line, delivering services to all functions across the enterprise. Accountable for pricing, resourcing and ongoing management of global teams delivering across the enterprise.

Essential Skills & Experience:

You have a validated strategic background, are passionate about leading, mentoring and influencing people. You can drive decision making and are willing to take smart risks by thoughtfully challenging the status quo. You are motivated by a fast-paced and dynamic business environment, lead through ambiguity positively and get results by influencing.

• Extensive experience working in a Global Business Services operations across multiple functions
• Experience of leading and delivering Global Business Services operations across a broad global footprint
• Experience leading cross-enterprise transformational programmes
• Highly developed organizational, planning, management skills and oral communication skills and work effectively with others
• Strong stakeholder management skills requiring significant senior leader interaction in cross-functional setting
• Strong ability to communicate/ influence employees through major changes
• Global management skills and ability to provide qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate and support management decisions
• Ability to demonstrate a sound understanding of GBS to enable credible representation of VP & Leadership team at various internal & external bodies
• Ability to define priorities and focus on areas that add the most value
• Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Significant global experience & broad perspective of pharmaceutical organisation