Senior Director, R&D Enterprise Data (Architecture/Information)

Here, the answers aren't always available. So, you'll need to bring a fearless, self-starter mindset to navigate uncharted territories. You'll harness your ceaseless energy to discover and make the necessary connections with colleagues to shape the future and achieve maximum impact., Join AstraZeneca's Enterprise Data Office (EDO) as the Senior Director, R&D Enterprise Data (Architecture/Information). In this strategic leadership role, you will define the vision, operating model, and standards for enterprise information architecture across R&D and the wider AstraZeneca enterprise. You will set direction for ontologies, semantic models, and knowledge graphs that enable AI-ready data, FAIR principles, and interoperable data products-powering discovery, development, and delivery. Partnering with R&D IT and business leaders, you will influence investment decisions, establish governance, and drive adoption of data-centric architecture at enterprise scale.

You will collaborate across Heads of IT, Business Partners, Enterprise and Solution Architecture, Data Offices (R&D & EDO), and R&D functions to embed enterprise information architecture into strategy, roadmaps, and value realization.

Accountabilities

• Enterprise information strategy: Define and own the R&D enterprise information architecture strategy, standards, and policies-covering ontologies, semantic modeling, knowledge graphs, metadata, and canonical models-to enable AI-ready, FAIR, and interoperable data.
• Ontology leadership: Set enterprise direction for ontology strategy (domain ontologies, taxonomies, vocabularies), guiding how R&D knowledge is represented and connected across platforms and products.
• Semantic and graph vision: Establish the strategic approach for semantic layers and graph-based knowledge representation, ensuring knowledge graphs underpin analytics, decisioning, and AI/ML use cases.
• FAIR, TRUST and Data Mesh alignment: Champion FAIR/TRUST data and align information architecture with the Data Mesh operating model, defining standards for data products, discoverability, and interoperability.
• Master and reference data governance: Shape and govern master and reference data strategies, ensuring R&D requirements are embedded in enterprise models, stewardship, and quality frameworks.
• Policy, compliance, and risk: Oversee policies for ethical, compliant, and secure data use (including privacy and GxP considerations), integrating information architecture with data governance and risk management.
• Architectural standards and adoption: Set reference architectures and design patterns for data platforms and integrations across hybrid cloud; drive adoption through executive sponsorship, funding models, and accountability.
• Stakeholder influence and value: Partner with senior R&D leaders, across IT and the Data Office, to prioritize investments and measure outcomes, linking information architecture to scientific acceleration, operational excellence, and patient impact.
• Leadership and talent development: Lead and develop a high-performing team of information architecture leaders; foster a culture of strategic thinking, collaboration, and delivery excellence., * Shape science with data: Architect how data and knowledge accelerate medicines-your strategy will unify R&D knowledge and unlock AI-driven insights.
• Lead semantic transformation: Set the enterprise direction for ontologies, semantic modeling, and knowledge graphs to create an AI-ready, FAIR/TRUST data ecosystem.
• Executive impact: Operate at enterprise scale with strong sponsorship and visibility; influence investment and outcomes across global R&D.
• Collaborative environment: Partner with world-class scientists, engineers, and product leaders committed to transforming data into life-changing medicines.

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., Your wellbeing means a lot to us, and we're here to support you through all of life's ups and downs. That's why we offer an unpaid leave policy, annual leave, reduced-hours timetables and a host of benefits, including a retirement plan, long service award, and health and travel insurance.

Ready to make an impact in your career? If you're passionate, growth-orientated and a true team player, we'll help you succeed. Here are some of the skills and capabilities we look for., Seize ownership and excel with autonomy to enjoy the constant rush of ground-breaking discovery. Your ability to anticipate sudden shifts and adapt swiftly will prove critical as you make your mark in an environment that rewards initiative and resilience., * Strategic thought leadership: + 7 years demonstrated success leading enterprise-scale information/data architecture strategy and governance in complex, global organizations.

• Pharma R&D domain knowledge: Experience engaging across R&D lifecycle domains (e.g., discovery, translational science, clinical development, safety, regulatory, real-world evidence) at a strategic level.
• Master/reference data governance: Leadership embedding R&D needs into enterprise master and reference data strategies, stewardship, and operating models.
• Regulatory and governance: Strong understanding of information/data governance frameworks and regulatory environments (e.g., GxP, privacy, data ethics), with experience integrating policy into architecture practice.
• Influence and executive communication: Ability to engage C-suite and senior scientific leaders, set clear direction, secure investment, and demonstrate value through outcomes and metrics.
• Team leadership: Track record building and mentoring senior architecture talent and leading cross-functional teams; skilled in org design and change management.
• Education: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Management, or related field.

Desirable skills

• Advanced degree: Post-graduate degree in MIS, Data Management, Knowledge Engineering, or related domain.
• FAIR, TRUST and Data Mesh leadership: Expertise driving adoption of FAIR principles and aligning information architecture with Data Mesh concepts and data product governance.
• Ontology and semantics oversight: Executive-level experience setting direction for ontologies, semantic modeling, and knowledge representation; familiarity with how knowledge graphs enable enterprise insight and AI.
• AI-ready data strategy: Proven ability to establish standards and operating models that make data AI-ready (semantic consistency, metadata, lineage, quality, interoperability).
• Enterprise methods: Familiarity with enterprise architecture and data management frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, DAMA-DMBOK, SAFe) and model-driven approaches.
• Enterprise delivery experience: Experience overseeing large-scale information architecture programs that have delivered measurable business outcomes.

Why choose AstraZeneca Spain? AstraZeneca Spain is a rising force in our global business. With headquarters in Madrid and our global hub in Barcelona, we've become an important international centre of excellence in the fight against critical disease. Boasting vibrant universities and business schools, the Barcelona ecosystem is a place where scientists can thrive. We attract a diverse workforce from across the globe, shining a beacon for innovation in a country that's committed to clinical development. We invite you to bring your talents to Barcelona where our respiratory medicine R&D and Global Marketing centre offers opportunities in R&D, IT, Commercial and HR. Or join us in Madrid and shape our growth in our BUs (Respiratory, Oncology & CVRM ), and a range of Corporate functions. Additionally, you can find sales roles throughout the country. Together, we're contributing to a world-leading pipeline of therapeutics and delivering life-changing medicines to patients. Who do we look for? Calling all tech innovators, ownership takers, challenge seekers and proactive collaborators. At AstraZeneca Spain, breakthroughs born in the lab become transformative medicine for the world's most complex diseases. Alongside technical expertise, colleagues have the resilience, energy and collaborative mindset to change lanes, work with different teams and start projects from scratch. Here, diverse minds and bold disruptors can meaningfully impact the future of healthcare using cutting-edge technology. Whether you join us in Madrid or Barcelona, you can make a tangible impact within a global biopharmaceutical company that invests in your future. Join a talented global team that's powering AstraZeneca to better serve patients every day., There are many things I enjoy when working at AstraZeneca, mainly the Speak up culture, the great colleagues that are in my teams, the great products that AstraZeneca provides to our patients and the challenging conversations I have around our medicines. Sales Representative Oslo, Norway There are many things I enjoy when working at AstraZeneca, mainly the Speak up culture, the great colleagues that are in my teams, the great products that AstraZeneca provides to our patients and the challenging conversations I have around our medicines. See Thomas's Story Christine Recchio Working at AstraZeneca has impacted my life in such a positive way. I now have an improved work-life balance through creating my own schedule and time management, I feel a balance that I didn't have before. Sales Representative California, United States Working at AstraZeneca has impacted my life in such a positive way. I now have an improved work-life balance through creating my own schedule and time management, I feel a balance that I didn't have before. See Larry's Story Stephanie Ling There are a lot of reasons why I enjoy working in AstraZeneca, my colleagues being one of them. My team members and the managers have provided a great deal of guidance in helping me to be more confident in my daily work. Sales Representative Petaling Jaya, Malaysia There are a lot of reasons why I enjoy working in AstraZeneca, my colleagues being one of them. My team members and the managers have provided a great deal of guidance in helping me to be more confident in my daily work. See Stephanie's Story What we offer We're driven by our shared values of serving people, society and the planet. Our people make this possible, which is why we prioritise diversity, inclusivity, balance and sustainability. Discover what a career at AstraZeneca could mean for you., Diversity and inclusion are embedded in everything we do, and our different views, experiences and strengths enrich our culture. There's no salary gap at AstraZeneca, and the number of female employees has increased by four per cent over the last three years. We've also made all positions fully accessible., The success of AstraZeneca is founded on innovation, creativity and diversity. Discover what this means for you. Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value our people. see our latest Glassdoor reviews here