Associate Director, Packaging Technology Transfer Lead

Are you ready to lead complex, global technology transfers that make a real difference to patients? As Associate Director, Packaging Tech Transfer Lead, you will drive the transfer of packaging technologies across AstraZeneca's diverse product portfolio, working with pioneering products and cross-functional teams around the world. This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic decisions, shape future ways of working, and deliver medicines safely and reliably to patients!

You will provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership for the transfer of labelling, packaging, and device assembly processes across AstraZeneca’s internal manufacturing network and external manufacturing partners. You will work across development, transfer, launch, and lifecycle management activities, ensuring that transfers are delivered safely, compliantly, efficiently, and in line with Global CMC priorities.

Your role and accountabilities In this role, you will: Lead packaging technology transfers for vials, APFS, and autoinjector presentations across internal and external manufacturing sites. Own end-to-end transfer activities, including labelling, secondary packaging, device assembly, documentation, readiness, and implementation. Assess site capabilities and readiness, including equipment, process fit, capacity, technical maturity, materials, and operational risks.

Develop robust transfer plans in collaboration with Technical Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Device teams, Drug Product, Engineering, and external partners. Ensure GMP and regulatory compliance by embedding quality, risk management, and inspection readiness into transfer activities. Provide oversight of packaging process readiness, including line readiness, process validation considerations, comparability, material readiness, and transfer documentation.

Support device and combination product transfers, considering the interfaces between the primary container, device components, assembly operations, packaging configuration, and market requirements. Consider drug product requirements and their impact on packaging configuration, handling, process conditions, product protection, and transfer strategy. Contribute to shipping qualification and distribution readiness, including transport validation, distribution conditions, and product protection requirements.

Lead risk and issue management by identifying critical risks, defining mitigation plans, and calling out decisions when needed. Influence strategic decisions related to transfer approach, site selection, execution priorities, and risk management. Drive continuous improvement by simplifying, standardising, and improving packaging transfer processes, governance, and ways of working. Champion digital enablement, including the use of Digital TT and other digital tools to improve visibility, data quality, knowledge management, and execution efficiency.

Lead through a matrix organisation, creating clarity, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining momentum across functions, sites, countries, and external partners. Essential requirements You will bring: Significant experience (typically 5-10 years) within CMC, pharmaceutical packaging, technology transfer, manufacturing science and technology, technical operations, or a related field, supported by a Bachelor's or equivalent in a relevant scientific or engineering field.

Proven experience leading packaging technology transfers involving vials, APFS, autoinjectors, or similar presentations, with a strong understanding of labelling and packaging operations, device assembly where applicable, and associated transfer requirements. Strong technical knowledge of GMP, quality systems, regulatory expectations, and manufacturing environments, including line readiness, validation, change control, process performance, material flows, and operational risk management.

Experience assessing manufacturing site capabilities and readiness, including technical fit, ope