Director of Formulation and Process Design

Overview

We have an open position within our Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) department. PT&D is the bridge, which turns brilliant science into actual medicines that help millions of people. We work across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations, and devices required to support new medicines – from supplies for use in early toxicology studies and clinical trials to developing the technology to ensure drugs can be scaled up for commercial manufacture.

Make a positive impact, in a team where it means more. In Operations, we have a big ambition: to deliver more medicines to patients, quicker and more affordable. Backed by investment, leadership, and a clear plan to get there, we bring personal dedication and out-of-the-box thinking.

We are currently recruiting for Director of Formulation and Process Design. This position will be accountable for the performance and results within formulation and process design oral/inhaled team - oral solid dosage form experience is required for this position.

• Leads a team of formulation scientists, setting clear goals, technical direction, and development priorities to align with organizational and portfolio objectives. Responsible for planning and executing formulation development strategies, optimizing drug product processes, and ensuring robust, scalable, and regulatory-compliant solutions across all stages of development from early-phase through commercial readiness.
• Acts as a key interface with other GPD functions to accelerate project timelines and reduce development risk. Drives continuous improvement, talent development, and innovation within the team to support the company's scientific leadership in oral and inhaled delivery platforms.

• Leads a team of up to 10 scientists across local and global sites to drive inhaled and oral drug product portfolio
• Coaches and develops direct reports to drive high performance, team engagement, and individual growth.
• Drives local implementation of PT&D strategy and associated change initiatives, championing transformation and innovation.
• Embeds new ways of working that enhance agility, flexibility, efficiency, and delivery, serving as a role model for lean leadership.
• Shapes and delivers forward-thinking, digital-enabled approaches to product design and development, leveraging data science, predictive modeling, AI, and strategic workforce planning to meet evolving portfolio needs.
• Builds and sustains a high-performing, innovative team culture focused on scientific excellence, new modalities, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures full compliance with SHE and cGMP standards, aligning with AZ and external regulatory requirements.
• Operates confidently within a global matrix organization, fostering integration and readiness for future challenges. Ensures capability building to support the diverse and emerging portfolio of modalities.
• Collaborates with the Project Leadership Group to define and execute portfolio delivery strategies within the unit’s remit.
• Solves complex scientific and organizational challenges through strategic insight, conceptual thinking, and informed judgment.
• Influences internal and external stakeholders, shaping the reputation and impact of the FPD department.
• Demonstrates strong communication and leadership skills to set clear direction, inspire teams, and foster alignment across functions.

• BSc/PhD level education in a relevant Engineering field (Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering), or in Pharmaceutical Sciences with related experience in the device and biopharmaceutical industry is essential.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience
• Significant experience in the design and development of inhaled and oral products
• Proven experiences in leading and managing direct reports
• Leadership experience promoting, motivating and empowering diverse and inclusive culture to support accomplishment of individual, team and organisational objectives
• Significant understanding of the overall drug development and commercialisation process from…