Role Title: Experienced Dynamic Senior Project Planner (Technology) 

The Axial Programme  (Global S/4HANA implementation) 

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Salary: Competitive  

Introduction to the role:

Are you an amazing Senior Project Planner ready to lead us to new horizons?  Are you excited about driving change, innovation, generating business value, and making a lasting impact?  If you’re ready to be at the forefront of transformation, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.   

At AstraZeneca we are on the brink of monumental transformation; a once-in-a-generation programme that will shape global ways of working for the future.  Technology is at the heart of it all and we need the best. 

If this is you, keep reading.

About the role:

The Axial Programme delivers business transformation through implementation of a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system powered by S4/HANA and will be: 

• implemented right across the organisation  

• provide our business with standardised processes, enhanced financial management, common data and real time reporting 

• used by more than 20k employees daily 

• transform the way we work through our entire supply chain - from bench to patient 

What you’ll do - the headlines: 

• Lead and coordinate project planning in the Technology function 

• Establish and enforce best practices in planning including driving good data quality 

• Identify and track key dependencies across Technology and the wider programme 

• Support stage gate readiness and management 

• Provide planning updates at regular governance forums to senior management 

Detailed Job Description:

The Technology Senior Project Planner role defines and manages the integrated Technology project plan with stakeholders in Technology and the wider Axial programme.  He or she provides regular updates to different governance forums and deputises for the Head of Technology PMO when required. 

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities 

• Define integrated Technology project plan (MS-Project) from individual Technology plans in various tools, following Axial guidelines. 
• Maintain this plan weekly with Technology teams as part of status reporting, challenging team leads and PMs on status and plans when necessary. 
• Drive good data quality in Technology project planning in all tools. 
• Provide planning updates at regular governance forums to senior management and leadership team (LT) meetings. 
• Agree common milestones to track progress with other Axial teams and plans 
• Identify and track dependencies within Technology and across Axial. 
• Define and manage critical paths and report bottlenecks in plans. 
• Identify and report planning risks and issues. 
• Ensure transparent communication of plan dates and progress across Technology. 
• Maintain planning documentation and audit trail. 
• Support change control process for Technology planning (impact analysis). 
• Drive continuous improvement in planning, including best practices and retrospectives. 
• Perform planning scenario and what-if analysis as required. 
• Support stage gate readiness and management for Technology planning. 
• Provide metrics on progress and reporting to Technology LT. 
• Deputise for Head of Technology PMO as required. 
• Support new Phase 2 planning for Technology. 
• Own new Technology resource management process and tools when launched in Axial. 

Essential Skills:

• Hands on management of complex project plans either in a planner or senior PM role 
• Advanced Microsoft Project / Planner skills and experience 
• IT delivery experience, preferably in ERP delivery 
• Use of Jira 
• Experience working in a global organization where collaborators and project team members are geographically dispersed 

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in SAP ACTIVATE, traditional and agile delivery methods, including familiarity with SAFe 
• Project / Programme Management certifications 
• Pharmaceutical industry experience and/or experience of delivery in a highly-regulated environment 
• Lean & Six Sigma Skills 
• Master’s degree 

Applications open: February 05nd

Applications close: February 22nd

Why AstraZeneca? 

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.  

So, what’s next? 

• Are you already imaging yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you. 

• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and hope its yours  

• If you’re curious to know more then we welcome your application no later than February 22nd.

Where can I find out more? 

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/ 

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/ 

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en