Director, Sustainability Reporting & Communications

Director, Sustainability Reporting & Communications

Gaithersburg, US

At AstraZeneca, we are a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company. We push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines and aim to make a meaningful difference for patients, society and the planet. Our values guide how we work together: we follow the science, put patients first, play to win, do the right thing and are entrepreneurial.

Are you an experienced sustainability reporting professional who enjoys turning complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical reporting processes? We are looking for a Director, Sustainability Reporting & Communications to help strengthen how AstraZeneca delivers local statutory and voluntary sustainability disclosures across our global footprint.

In this role, you will support the development and implementation of AstraZeneca’s approach to local sustainability reporting. You will provide subject matter expertise, practical direction and coordination for subsidiaries and local Finance teams, helping ensure that local disclosures are controlled, consistent, compliant and aligned with Group sustainability reporting standards, governance, data, controls and external disclosures.

What you’ll do

• Design and establish the operating model for local sustainability reporting, including roles, governance, review points and escalation paths for statutory and voluntary disclosures. Monitor and interpret emerging sustainability reporting requirements for subsidiaries, including IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, CSRD-related requirements, AASB S2, BRSR and other local frameworks.
• Provide subject matter expertise and practical guidance to subsidiaries and Group teams on local sustainability reporting regulations and disclosures, in addition to designing reports and processes to aid compliance in jurisdictions.
• Develop a hub to share local sustainability data as well as best practices on voluntary disclosures with teams and provide communications expertise on how to meet local teams goals whilst maintaining Group and local compliance as well as reputation.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, templates, guidance, timelines, controls and documentation standards for subsidiary sustainability reporting.
• Ensure local disclosures align with Group sustainability reporting, commitments, narratives, materiality, data definitions, methodologies and reporting policies.
• Coordinate with Group Financial Reporting, Sustainability Reporting, Internal Controls, Corporate Affairs, Legal and other teams to support review and approval of disclosures.
• Engage in-scope markets to assess reporting requirements, thresholds, data and narrative needs, and opportunities to use Group reporting or exemptions.
• Oversee the quality, consistency, completeness and audit-readiness of reporting documentation, including evidence, approvals and control performance.
• Drive continuous improvement through simplification, automation, knowledge sharing, capability building and adoption of good practice across markets.
• Act as subject matter expert and escalation support for complex reporting matters, balancing local compliance with Group consistency, risk and stakeholder expectations.

You will have:

• Graduate degree or equivalent experience in sustainability, finance, accounting, business, law, environmental management, economics or a related field.
• Minimum of five years' experience in sustainability, finance, ESG, audit, risk, controls or a related discipline in a complex global organisation.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability reporting regulations, standards and frameworks, and the ability to translate requirements into practical processes.
• Experience leading cross-functional, multi-market projects with senior stakeholders, local teams and external advisors.
• Strong understanding of governance, controls, documentation, assurance readiness and disclosure review processes.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including advising senior leaders and supporting teams through ambiguity and change.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to turn complex technical matters into clear guidance and decision-ready recommendations.
• Strong programme management skills, including prioritisation, timeline management, multiple workstreams and high-quality delivery under reporting deadlines.

Desirable experience:

· Experience with CSRD/ESRS, IFRS S1/S2, TCFD, EU Taxonomy, BRSR, AASB S2 or similar national sustainability reporting requirements.

• Experience with Group Reporting, Company Secretariat, Legal, Corporate Affairs, Internal Controls or external assurance providers.
• Experience in pharmaceuticals, healthcare or another highly regulated sector.
• Experience building reporting processes, operating models, SOPs, RACIs, controls and capability programmes across jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with reporting systems, data platforms, workflow tools or disclosure management tools such as Workiva.

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