Director, Head of Operations, Animal Science and Technologies

Help push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. With science at its heart this is where breakthroughs born in the lab become transformative medicine for the worlds most complex diseases

Are you experienced within facility management and interested in research animal facility operations Do you also have management skills and would like to lead a team of engaged employees who work to always develop further

We are now seeking an experienced Director to our Animal Sciences and Technologies (AST) department to lead and optimize AST vivarium operations at our Gothenburg site.

Animal Sciences and Technologies (AST) is a global department that delivers in vivo studies animal care and welfare that is compliant to internal standards and external regulations.

This pivotal role drives efficient facility performance across animal care and in vivo study support ensuring alignment with global standards AAALAC and applicable Swedish/EU regulatory frameworks (including EU Directive 2010/63/EU and national implementation). As a subject matter expert and people leader you will shape facility design and transformation scale best practices and implement robust quality control and performance management grounded in current scientific literature and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end vivarium operations to ensure ethical efficient and compliant delivery of animal care and in vivo study support meeting AAALAC accreditation standards AstraZeneca policies and Swedish/EU animal research regulations.
• Design and implement operational strategies SOPs and workflow enhancements that elevate throughput reliability and user experience across facilities.
• Lead and participate in refurbishment and capital projects (CAPEX) partnering with Facility Management and Property Development to ensure operational readiness resilience and industry leading standards.
• Establish and maintain quality control measures risk assessments and safe systems of work; continuously update practices based on emerging literature benchmarking and external audits.
• Build lead and mentor a high-performing team fostering a culture of accountability inclusion and continuous improvement; drive performance and Individual development plans.
• Manage department budgets forecasts and KPIs; partner with AST leadership and Business Portfolio and Finance team to deliver financial updates CAPEX processes and Manpower model.
• Provide expert operational insight into the animal care and use program supporting AAALAC accreditation cycles internal audits and external inspections.
• Analyze operational data and trends to inform strategic recommendations influence ways of working and raise vivarium standards across Gothenburg and the wider AST network.
  

Essential requirements

• Education: Bachelors degree in Engineering Business Science or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Operations Leadership: Experience leading complex facility operations preferably with laboratory standards.
• People Leadership: Proven ability to lead mentor and develop teams; track record of building capability and driving performance.
• Project and Change Management: Experience in facility design process optimization and transformation projects. Able to create robust business cases supporting data-driven decisions for business development.
• Financial Acumen: Excellent budgeting forecasting and KPI management skills; comfort with data-driven decision-making.
• Collaboration and Communication: Strong communication skills and the ability to partner effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills

• Quality and Continuous Improvement: Familiarity with quality systems lean/operational excellence methodologies and audit processes.
• Stakeholder Influence: Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and negotiating priorities to improve operational standards.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Specialty certification or significant experience in laboratory animal science; deep familiarity with AAALAC and Swedish/EU regulatory requirements for animal research.
• Pharmaceutical or Lab Facility experience: Background in drug discovery environments supporting in vivo study operations.

Why AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global science-led patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the worlds most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the worlds leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca were dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine patients and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning growth and development for all.

So whats next
Are you ready to make a difference Apply today and join us in our mission to improve global public health. We are looking forward to your application!

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