IT Exceptions Lead
Location: Macclesfield, UK
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.
Are you ready to turn complex risk trade-offs into clear, confident decisions that protect people, data and technology? AsIT Exceptions Leadin our Cyber Security team, you will build and mature a high-impact exceptions framework that enables secure, pragmatic delivery across a fast-moving global enterprise. Your work will help safeguard the digital backbone behind life-changing science, directly supporting the teams who discover, develop and deliver medicines to patients.
You will lead the design, digitisation and ongoing management of the IT exceptions process end to end — aligning it to risk management practices, embedding strong governance, and increasing speed and consistency across functions and geographies. Can you see yourself guiding senior stakeholders through nuanced, risk-based choices while driving measurable improvements in oversight and accountability?
Accountabilities:
Process Ownership— Serve as Business Process Owner for IT Exceptions, driving maturity, consistency and continuous improvement across the process
Risk Alignment— Ensure the exceptions process closely aligns to IT risk management practices, tooling and strategic goals to enable risk-based outcomes
Digitisation and AI Enablement— Continuously improve and digitise the process, exploiting tools, automation and AI to scale efficiency and control
Exception Assessment and Approval— Assess and approve IT exceptions content, ensuring timely plans, quality deliverables and clear risk treatments
Data Quality and Reporting— Drive accountability for the completeness, accuracy and currency of IT exceptions data through monitoring, tracking and reporting
Trend and Issue Management— Identify, communicate and manage trends in compliance risks, breaches and issues; agree and track mitigations aligned to risk appetite
Governance and Metrics— Plan, govern and report key compliance metrics and measures to drive accountability across IT
Regulatory and Audit Readiness— Provide compliance input and evidence for external regulatory and internal governance inspections and forums
Stakeholder Engagement— Act as the primary contact for IT exceptions-related questions and issues; build trusted relationships with senior IT and business stakeholders
Training, Education and Awareness— Lead development and rollout of training, education and awareness to embed a strong exceptions culture
External Insight— Represent the company at industry forums to bring back leading practices that elevate our approach
Essential Skills & Experience:
BA/BSc and extensive experience in IT risk management and/or compliance application in large IT organisations, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry
Familiarity with technical concepts in Cybersecurity, infrastructure or applications
Experience in leading a team, delivering strategies and influencing senior stakeholders
Experience of operating at senior levels across functions and geographies in large, complex IT environments
Strong compliance experience/expertise
Broad IT management experience including project or service management
Proven challenge, negotiation and influencing capabilities
Strong collaboration and relationship building skills
Strong presentation, communication and facilitation skills
Ability to make pragmatic decisions by analysing highly complex/time-critical situations, assessing risks and stabilising strategic and tactical compliance requirements
High levels of drive, energy, resilience and a desire for professional excellence
Ability to hold self and others accountable for actions
Strong change leadership and team working skills
Desirable Skills & Experience:
Lean trained
Experience of providing regulatory support including computerised system validation/assurance activities
Knowledge of industry good practice and standards such as ISO 9000, ISO 27001, ISO 27002, GxP, ITIL, CMMI, Sarbanes-Oxley
External qualifications such as ISPE PCC CPIP and ISACA CISM, CISA or CRISC
Experience in using ServiceNow IRM (formerly GRC)
Experience of contributing to implementation of a Risk and Compliance strategy with the ability to prioritise and understand the impact of the decisions made
Our Flexible Working Culture
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.
Why AstraZeneca?
Join a purpose-led global technology community that powers breakthrough science with secure, modern platforms and data at scale. Here you will collaborate with experts across disciplines, translate complex risk into clear business value, and shape how a digital, data-driven enterprise manages security decisions at pace. We combine curiosity with high standards, invest in cutting-edge tools and AI, and value kindness alongside ambition — so you can experiment, learn and deliver impact that ultimately reaches patients.
Ready to make your mark?
Own a mission-critical security governance domain and help protect the science that saves lives — take the next step in your career and apply to lead this change today.
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.
Where can I find out more?
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Date Posted
19-Jun-2026Closing Date
09-Jul-2026Our 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.