Director, Sustainability

Director, Sustainability

Macclesfield, UK (3 days on site per week)

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science‑led, patient‑focused biopharmaceutical company 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 are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!!

The Director Sustainability leads a matrix team by fostering a collaborative, knowledge‑sharing environment, empowering team members, and driving accountability for sustainability initiatives. This role spearheads the Chemical Development sustainability initiative and actively collaborates to align with AstraZeneca’s overall sustainability ambition. By leveraging the diverse expertise of the team and fostering cross‑functional cooperation, this leadership approach ensures agility, proactivity, and a steadfast commitment to achieving long‑term sustainable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the Chemical Development Department, ensuring alignment with broader corporate sustainability objectives and positioning the department as an industry leader in green chemistry. Provide strategic insights, data, and recommendations to senior leadership on sustainability matters, helping to influence decision‑making and future investments in sustainable development.

• Team Leadership: Guide cross‑functional teams, ensuring that sustainability principles are embedded in every stage of process development (from development through to commercialisation) and in department operations. Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the internal team.

• Advisory Role for External Partners: Serve as the key sustainability advisor for CDMO partners, driving the adoption of green chemistry, sustainable practices and carbon footprint reduction throughout the supply chain and manufacturing processes. Ensure that external partners share our sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

• Sustainable Innovation: Through the team, identify and champion innovative technologies and processes that improve environmental sustainability, reduce waste, and minimise resource consumption. Ensure that innovations are aligned with long‑term business and environmental objectives.

• Regulatory and Compliance Oversight: Working with global SHE and ESM, ensure that all external partnerships align with relevant environmental regulations and sustainability standards. Work closely with regulatory teams to anticipate and adapt to evolving environmental policies.

• Collaboration and Influence: Build strong relationships with internal departments (R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) and external stakeholders to ensure a seamless approach to sustainability across all operations. Promote internal awareness and engagement through education and advocacy at all levels.

Requirements:

• A degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related subject area, alongside significant relevant experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, or manufacturing environments.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing sustainability strategies, ideally within chemical development, process chemistry, manufacturing, or supply chain operations.

• Detailed understanding of environmental compliance, sustainability standards, and evolving regulatory expectations relevant to the pharmaceutical sector.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills, including experience presenting recommendations to senior leadership.

• Significant experience working within a Research & Development or Manufacturing environments, within the pharmaceutical industry with comprehensive knowledge of development.

• Clear understanding of the full drug development pathway and how chemical development contributes to this.

• Strong technical expertise and understanding of practical synthetic organic chemistry and process development.

• Detailed understanding of the overall drug development process from discovery through to launch and lifecycle management.

• Strong external profile demonstrating scientific leadership.

• Extensive knowledge and experience of the subject areas within chemical development and how they combine to deliver commercial manufacturing processes and control strategies.

In Office Requirement:

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 we need 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.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer!

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, a performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

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