CTCM Senior Design Manager Financial Model (6 months secondment / fixed term)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CTCM Senior Design Manager Financial Model (6 months secondment / fixed term) Company: AstraZeneca Location: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Finance Operations / Revenue Operations / GTM Operations (System Design & Implementation Focus) Date Posted: 2025-11-05 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days per week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the successful implementation and adoption of a new financial system within the Clinical Trials Cost Management (CTCM) project, focusing on R&D cost management and reporting.
• The Senior Design Manager will be responsible for creating, refining, and documenting critical design deliverables essential for testing, training, and change management phases of the project lifecycle.
• The position requires a strong blend of financial system implementation expertise, data modeling skills, and a deep understanding of financial modeling principles to support the design of robust cost management solutions.
• This is a fixed-term, 6-month secondment opportunity, demanding a proactive approach and the ability to contribute significantly within a defined timeframe in a global project environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title mentions "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills strongly align with a specialized role within Finance Operations or Revenue Operations, specifically focused on system design, financial modeling, and data analytics within a large-scale project. The emphasis on "Financial Model" in the title and description, coupled with skills like Power BI, Power Query, and experience with financial systems implementation, positions this role at the intersection of finance, operations, and data management. The role is not a traditional people management role but rather a senior individual contributor focused on system and process design within a finance transformation context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Validation & Refinement: Validate reporting solutions developed by engineering teams, assessing their usability and ensuring strict adherence to defined business and functional requirements.
• Change Management Support: Identify and initiate change requests where necessary, providing critical input from a design perspective to impact assessment processes, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Cross-Functional Design Collaboration: Actively support and collaborate with other design workstreams, project teams, finance stakeholders, and R&D business units to ensure a cohesive and integrated system design.
• Training Documentation & Delivery Support: Contribute to the creation and review of training documentation for end-users and assist in the delivery of training sessions, ensuring knowledge transfer and system adoption.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Support: Partner with other design teams to support the writing of UAT scripts, ensuring comprehensive test coverage that validates system functionality and business processes.
• Financial Model Design & Documentation: Generate, refine, and meticulously document design deliverables for the financial model, ensuring clarity and accuracy for all downstream activities.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Demonstrate initiative by proactively identifying potential design issues or improvements and proposing solutions to enhance system efficiency and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to system design and validation, crucial for a project nearing its intensive UAT and training phases. The focus on "design deliverables" suggests a need for strong documentation and communication skills, translating complex financial logic into actionable design specifications. The role requires flexibility to support the broader team, indicating a collaborative and adaptable work ethic.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas would be advantageous.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in financial systems implementation, financial modeling, and data analytics within large, complex global projects. Experience in a finance transformation or large-scale ERP/system deployment environment is highly valuable.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience with the implementation of new financial systems in large global projects, understanding end-to-end system deployment lifecycles.
• Demonstrated experience in Power BI design or development, including proficiency in creating dashboards and reports.
• Strong capabilities in Data Model and Landscape Design, understanding how to structure and manage complex data relationships.
• Proficiency in Power Query for data transformation and Power Pivot for data modeling and analysis.
• Substantial experience in Financial Modelling, including building, testing, and refining financial models for various business scenarios.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for creating design documentation and collaborating with diverse teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with large global finance transformation projects, understanding the strategic and operational challenges involved.
• Familiarity with specific systems such as ACCORD, PLANIT, VCV, Hyperion, and Blackline, which are common in large enterprise finance environments.
• Proficiency in SQL for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis.
• Solid understanding of Accounting Rules and principles, ensuring financial integrity.
• Knowledge of SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) compliance and Internal Controls best practices, crucial for financial system design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Essential" skills list is quite comprehensive, indicating that candidates must possess a strong foundation in financial systems, data analytics tools (especially Power BI suite), and financial modeling. The "Desirable" skills suggest that candidates with broader finance system exposure and compliance knowledge will have a distinct advantage, particularly in a pharmaceutical R&D cost management context. The AI-derived experience level aligns well with the seniority and complexity of the required skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• System Implementation Case Studies: Documented examples of your involvement in implementing new financial systems, detailing your role, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. Highlight the impact on financial processes and reporting.
• Financial Model Demonstrations: Showcase examples of financial models you have designed or significantly contributed to. This could include models for cost management, forecasting, or scenario analysis, demonstrating your proficiency in Power BI, Power Query, and Power Pivot.
• Data Model Designs: Visualizations or documentation of complex data models you have designed, illustrating your ability to structure data for reporting and analysis in large global projects.
• Reporting Solution Examples: Samples of reports or dashboards created in Power BI, demonstrating your ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights and present them clearly.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how you have documented or designed workflows for financial processes, particularly related to cost management, reporting, or system integration.
• Requirement Gathering & Design Specs: Samples of design deliverables, functional specifications, or user stories created during system implementation projects, showcasing your ability to translate business needs into technical requirements.
• Testing & Validation Protocols: Evidence of your involvement in UAT script writing or validation processes, demonstrating how you ensure system accuracy and adherence to requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design deliverables and supporting testing/training, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills is crucial. Candidates should prepare to walk through specific examples of how they've designed financial models, built Power BI reports, and documented system design for large-scale financial projects. Emphasis should be placed on clarity, accuracy, and the impact of their contributions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Warsaw, Poland, focusing on specialized financial systems and modeling, the estimated gross monthly salary range would be approximately 18,000 PLN to 28,000 PLN (Polish Zloty). This translates to an annual gross range of 216,000 PLN to 336,000 PLN.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on research of similar roles (Financial Systems Implementation Manager, Senior BI Developer, Financial Modeler) in the Warsaw market, considering the specific technical requirements (Power BI, financial modeling, SQL) and the industry (pharmaceuticals, large global projects). It also factors in the fixed-term nature of the contract (6 months), which can sometimes command a premium or be benchmarked differently than permanent roles. The provided AI salary data was insufficient to provide a specific range.

Benefits:

• Multisport Card: Access to a wide range of sports and recreational facilities.
• Pension Plan: Contribution towards long-term retirement savings.
• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.
• After-work Events: Opportunities for team bonding and social interaction.
• Private Medical Care: Comprehensive healthcare services.
• Lunch Card: Financial assistance for daily meals.
• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance remote work with in-office collaboration.

Working Hours: The role is listed as FULL_TIME, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid model specifies 3 days per week in the Warsaw office, implying a structured but flexible work schedule for the remaining days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for the Warsaw market for a role of this seniority and specialization. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, negotiation, and the final agreed-upon terms for the 6-month contract. The benefits package is standard for corporate roles in Poland and complements the hybrid work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines, particularly for the treatment of diseases in areas of Oncology, Cardiovascular & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. This industry context implies a focus on innovation, rigorous scientific standards, and complex regulatory environments.

Company Size: AstraZeneca is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This signifies a structured corporate environment with established processes, a global reach, and opportunities for diverse professional development.

Founded: Founded in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB (Sweden) and Zeneca Group PLC (UK). This history indicates a strong foundation and a long-standing presence in the pharmaceutical industry, implying stability and a wealth of experience.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role is within a "dynamic, global finance project team," specifically supporting the Clinical Trials Cost Management (CTCM) project. This suggests a matrixed structure where project teams are formed by individuals from various functional areas (finance, IT, R&D) and potentially different geographical locations.
• Reporting: You will report directly to the Design Financial Model Lead, who oversees the Design Financial Modelling workstream. This indicates a clear reporting line within the project structure, with collaboration expected across other design and project workstreams, as well as with finance and R&D business stakeholders.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role will involve close collaboration with other design workstreams, project workstreams, finance business units, and R&D business units, highlighting the importance of strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate a complex stakeholder landscape.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on validating reporting solutions, refining financial models, and using tools like Power BI points to a data-driven approach to system design and decision-making.
• Agile Project Support: The need to generate, refine, and document deliverables to support testing, training, and change workstreams implies an agile or iterative project management methodology, where continuous refinement and adaptation are key.
• Process Optimization: The core of the role is to support the design of new systems and cost models, suggesting a focus on optimizing existing financial processes and workflows for efficiency and accuracy.

Company Website: https://www.astrazeneca.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AstraZeneca's position as a leading biopharmaceutical company implies a high standard of operational excellence, data integrity, and compliance. The project-based nature of this role means candidates will be working within a temporary team structure but will need to integrate with broader finance and R&D functions. The "global finance project team" context suggests exposure to diverse international perspectives and best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a mid-to-senior level individual contributor role. It requires a significant depth of experience in specialized areas like financial systems implementation, financial modeling, and data visualization. The focus is on subject matter expertise and the ability to lead design efforts within a specific workstream.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to the Design Financial Model Lead. This implies a hierarchical structure within the project team, with opportunities to learn from a lead while contributing specialized expertise. Collaboration extends to other design and project teams, offering exposure to different facets of the project.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the successful design and implementation of a critical financial system for R&D cost management and reporting. By ensuring accurate financial models and validated reporting solutions, the Senior Design Manager directly influences the quality of financial data, enabling better decision-making for R&D investments, resource allocation, and overall financial planning and control. This contributes to the operational efficiency and financial health of AstraZeneca's research and development endeavors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepen expertise in financial systems implementation, advanced Power BI development, financial modeling, and potentially SQL and data architecture within a complex enterprise environment.
• Project Lifecycle Experience: Gain hands-on experience across critical project phases, including design, testing, training, and change management, within a large-scale global transformation.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of finance and R&D operations by collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders across different business units.
• Contract-to-Permanent Potential: While a fixed-term role, exceptional performance and successful project delivery could potentially open doors for future opportunities within AstraZeneca's broader finance or operations teams, depending on business needs and availability.
• Industry Insight: Gain valuable insights into the specific financial challenges and operational nuances of the pharmaceutical industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This 6-month contract role offers a focused opportunity to contribute significantly to a high-profile project. While not a direct leadership role in terms of people management, it provides leadership in design and technical expertise. The growth is primarily in specialized skills and project experience, which can be leveraged for future roles in operations, finance, or data analytics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Model - 3 days per week in the Warsaw office. This indicates a modern office environment designed to support both individual focused work and collaborative activities.

Office Location(s): Warsaw, Poland. Specific details about the office facilities are not provided, but AstraZeneca’s commitment to a "bright and spacious environment" and a "sustainable office working environment" suggests a well-equipped and modern workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on teamwork suggest an environment that encourages interaction, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, including necessary software and hardware for financial analysis, reporting (Power BI), and project management.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the Design Financial Model Lead, other design workstream members, project managers, and finance/R&D stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and project alignment.

Work Schedule: Full-time (estimated 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. This schedule provides structure while allowing for some flexibility, which is beneficial for deep-dive analytical tasks common in design and modeling roles. The specific days for office attendance are likely to be coordinated within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup in Warsaw is designed to offer the best of both worlds: the flexibility of remote work for focused tasks and in-office collaboration for team synergy and strategic alignment. Candidates should be prepared for a professional corporate setting within a large multinational organization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess alignment with essential skills and experience, particularly in financial systems implementation, Power BI, and financial modeling.
• Technical/Design Assessment: Likely to involve a discussion or practical exercise focused on your experience with financial modeling, data modeling, and Power BI. Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing reporting solutions or validating system outputs.
• Case Study/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present specific examples from their portfolio, demonstrating their ability to design financial models, create Power BI dashboards, and document system designs for complex projects. The focus will be on your problem-solving methodology and the tangible results achieved.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions assessing personal characteristics such as proactivity, attention to detail, team player mentality, ability to see the bigger picture, and relationship-building skills.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior project leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the role and project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each example, clearly outline the problem, your role, the solution you designed or implemented, the tools/technologies used (Power BI, Power Query, SQL, financial modeling techniques), and the quantifiable results or impact.
• Highlight Financial Modeling Expertise: Be ready to walk through a financial model you've built, explaining its logic, assumptions, and how it was used for decision-making.
• Showcase Power BI Skills: Present dashboards or reports you've developed. Explain the data sources, the transformations done (Power Query), the modeling approach (Power Pivot), and how the visualizations provide actionable insights for finance or R&D stakeholders.
• Emphasize Design Deliverables: If possible, include sanitized examples of design specifications, data models, or process documentation you've created for system implementations.
• Tailor to AstraZeneca: Research AstraZeneca's R&D focus and common financial reporting needs to frame your experience in a relevant context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Financial Modeling Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to design a financial model for a specific R&D cost management challenge. Outline your approach, key assumptions, and required data inputs.
• Power BI Design Task: You might be given a dataset and asked to outline how you would design a Power BI dashboard to track certain financial metrics or KPIs relevant to clinical trials.
• Process Design Question: Discuss how you would approach validating a new reporting solution or documenting a complex financial process within a large project. Focus on your methodology and attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh practical experience as demonstrated through a portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, technical skills, and problem-solving approach with specific, concrete examples rather than general statements. The emphasis on "design deliverables" and "financial model" means candidates should be ready to discuss the technical and logical underpinnings of their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Power BI: Core tool for report and dashboard development, data visualization, and business intelligence. Proficiency in Power BI Desktop and Service is expected.
• Microsoft Excel: Essential for financial modeling, data analysis, and ad-hoc reporting. Advanced functions, pivot tables, and VBA knowledge may be beneficial.
• SQL: Preferred skill for data extraction, manipulation, and querying from various databases. Crucial for data preparation and analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power Query: Key component within Power BI for data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) from diverse sources.
• Power Pivot: Used within Power BI for creating sophisticated data models and performing advanced analysis using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).
• Business Intelligence Platforms: Experience with broader BI platforms beyond Power BI, if applicable.

CRM & Automation:

• Financial Systems: Experience with specific financial systems that may be integrated or replaced, such as ACCORD, PLANIT, VCV, Hyperion, and Blackline (desirable skills). Understanding of how these systems manage financial data and processes is valuable.
• Data Warehousing Concepts: Familiarity with data warehousing principles and how data flows into reporting and analytical tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards the Microsoft ecosystem, particularly Power BI and its related tools (Power Query, Power Pivot). Candidates with strong SQL skills and experience integrating with or implementing financial systems like Hyperion or Blackline will be highly competitive. The role requires a blend of data analytics, data modeling, and financial system understanding.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using data and robust financial models to inform decisions, validate solutions, and drive efficiency.
• Proactivity & Initiative: Taking ownership of tasks, identifying potential issues before they arise, and proactively seeking solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in design, documentation, and validation to ensure accuracy and compliance in financial reporting.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively within a diverse, global project team, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues across different workstreams.
• Big Picture Thinking: Understanding how individual contributions fit into the larger project goals and AstraZeneca's overall business objectives.
• Relationship Building: Cultivating strong, trusting relationships with stakeholders across finance, R&D, and project teams.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expectation of close collaboration with various departments (Finance, R&D, IT) to ensure seamless system design and integration.
• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is exchanged constructively to refine designs, improve processes, and ensure project success.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share expertise, particularly in financial modeling and Power BI, to elevate the entire team's capabilities.
• Efficiency Focus: A drive towards optimizing processes and systems to achieve greater efficiency in R&D cost management and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: AstraZeneca's culture, as suggested by the role description and company ethos, values a blend of individual accountability and strong teamwork. For operations roles, this translates to a need for meticulous work, proactive problem-solving, and effective communication to ensure financial integrity and project success within a collaborative, global framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fixed-Term Contract Constraints: Working within a 6-month timeframe requires rapid onboarding, high productivity, and immediate impact, demanding excellent time management and prioritization skills.
• Global Project Complexity: Navigating diverse stakeholder expectations, time zones, and cultural nuances inherent in a global project environment.
• System Integration Nuances: Ensuring the new financial system and models integrate seamlessly with existing AstraZeneca systems and processes, requiring a deep understanding of data flow and interdependencies.
• Balancing Detail with Big Picture: Maintaining a focus on the granular details of financial modeling and design while consistently aligning with the broader strategic objectives of the CTCM project and AstraZeneca's R&D goals.
• Adapting to Evolving Requirements: The dynamic nature of large projects may require flexibility to adapt designs and documentation as requirements evolve or new insights emerge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Pharmaceutical Finance: Gain specialized knowledge of R&D cost management and reporting within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Advanced System Design: Enhance skills in designing and documenting complex financial systems and models within a large enterprise context.
• Cross-functional Project Exposure: Develop broader business acumen by working closely with finance, R&D, and IT teams on a critical project.
• Process Improvement Methodologies: Learn and apply best practices for system implementation, UAT support, and training development in a structured project environment.
• Networking: Build professional relationships with experts in finance, operations, and IT within a leading global pharmaceutical company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of large, time-bound projects in complex industries. Success will depend on a candidate's ability to quickly integrate, deliver high-quality work under pressure, and effectively manage stakeholder relationships. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to specialize further in finance operations and system implementation within the pharma sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Financial Modeling Approach: "Describe a complex financial model you designed for a global project. What were the key assumptions, how did you validate its accuracy, and what was the ultimate impact on decision-making?" Prepare a specific case study.
• Power BI Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a Power BI dashboard for financial reporting. How do you ensure data integrity, usability, and actionable insights for stakeholders?" Be ready to discuss your approach to data sourcing, transformation (Power Query), and modeling (Power Pivot).
• System Implementation Experience: "Tell me about your experience implementing a new financial system. What was your specific role, what were the biggest challenges from a design perspective, and how did you overcome them?" Focus on your contributions to design deliverables and UAT support.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach working with non-technical stakeholders (e.g., R&D business units) to gather requirements for financial systems or models?" Highlight your ability to translate complex technical concepts into understandable terms.
• Problem-Solving & Proactivity: "Describe a time you identified a potential issue with a financial system design or model before it impacted the project. What was the issue, and what steps did you take?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding of Role: "Based on the job description, what do you see as the primary challenges and opportunities in this Senior Design Manager role at AstraZeneca?"
• Teamwork & Values: "The role emphasizes being a team player with strong attention to detail. Can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these qualities in a past project?"
• Company Mission: "What is your understanding of AstraZeneca's mission, and how do you see this role contributing to it?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects to showcase. For each, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific contribution, the tools used, and the quantifiable outcomes.
• Focus on Design Deliverables: Highlight examples of your design documentation, financial models, and Power BI reports. Explain the rationale behind your design choices.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your work, including data modeling techniques, DAX formulas (if applicable for Power BI), and SQL queries.
• Address the Hybrid Model: Be prepared to discuss how you manage productivity and collaboration in a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can articulate their technical expertise clearly, demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, and show an understanding of how their work impacts broader business objectives. The portfolio is key to validating these claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AstraZeneca careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with financial systems implementation, financial modeling, Power BI design/development (including Power Query and Power Pivot), data modeling, and SQL. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "reduced reporting time by X%", "improved forecast accuracy by Y%").
• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing your best work in financial modeling, Power BI dashboards, and system design documentation. Be prepared to present 2-3 key projects during interviews.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions related to financial systems, data analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork. Practice articulating your thought process for design and modeling challenges.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AstraZeneca's business, its R&D focus, and its commitment to innovation. Understand the importance of accurate financial management for R&D projects.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.