Dec 2020 – Jan 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

Feb 2018 – May 2021 · 3 yrs 3 mos

• Supporting the Chief Digital Health R&D Officer in the design and development of AstraZeneca's Digital Health R&D Strategy
• Leading the creation and delivery of a game-changing clinical trial design and planning solution that enable breakthroughs in innovation in clinical trials beyond what is predictable.

Jul 2017 – Feb 2018 · 7 mos

• Responsible for initiating and leading diverse enterprise transformation and change programs using lean principles and leveraging technology in innovative ways.

Jul 2016 – Jul 2017 · 1 yr

• Initiated, led and delivered a successful enterprise-wide digital transformation program around clinical trial contracting and budgeting, taking own original idea from proof of concept to reality, resulting in the removal of a critical bottleneck in starting clinical trials and providing better predictability in clinical trial start up to help control trial costs and timelines.

May 2013 – Jul 2016 · 3 yrs 2 mos

• Led and managed the strategic legal support for:
• early and late phase drug development of small molecule and biopharmaceutical products across AstraZeneca's biotechnology and pharmaceuticals business units;
• the Global Medical Affairs function particularly around patient centricity, building decision evidence and outcome confidence in core therapies

May 2011 – Apr 2013 · 1 yr 11 mos

• Legal lead for the development and implementation of AstraZeneca's International Region (Asia-Pacific, Latin-America and Middle East & Africa) Emerging Markets Strategy. This included advice and support on strategies aimed at building a sustainable growth platform in the emerging markets such as bio-similar and branded generics externalisation options, pharmacy and patient affordability programmes.

Oct 2010 – May 2011 · 7 mos

• Led and managed the UK Compliance department accountable for the development of the compliance programme, monitoring its implementation and providing direct assurance to the AstraZeneca UK and European Senior Management Teams on how effectively it is operating in practice.

Jan 2010 – Oct 2010 · 9 mos

• Led the re-structuring of the UK Legal and Procurement functions and developed a blue-print for a new strategic Procurement Department focussed on pro-actively managing key spend areas and delivering substantial bottom-line savings while delivering optimal value to the business.

Jan 2008 – Jan 2010 · 2 yrs

• Headed up and managed the Legal Department supporting AstraZeneca's UK commercial business with a turnover of over $1 billion.
• Member of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Legal Expert Network advising on national legal matters on behalf of the industry.

Jan 2006 – Jan 2008 · 2 yrs

Jan 2003 – Jan 2006 · 3 yrs · London, United Kingdom

• Specialised in advising on a wide range of commercial and trading activities of both public and private sector healthcare organisations. Key clients included NHS bodies (including Primary Care Trusts, NHS Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities), pharmaceutical companies (including Pfizer, Lilly, Janssen-Cilag and Ferring Pharmaceuticals) and commercial healthcare providers (including BUPA, UnitedHealth, Clinovia and Harmoni).
• 2004 Legal 500 accreditation stated: “The appointment of qualified pharmacist Saj Shah in 2003 was a further asset to the [Bevan Brittan] team… Saj Shah advises hospital departments on risk management and liability issues”

Jan 2001 – Jan 2003 · 2 yrs · Maidstone and London

• Seats: Company & Commercial, Commercial Litigation, Medical Litigation and Employment

Jan 1998 – Jan 2001 · 3 yrs · Harrow, United Kingdom

• - Managing the growth of family-owned independent retail pharmacy business and its eventual sale to a multinational pharmacy chain.

Jan 1996 – Jan 1998 · 2 yrs · London, United Kingdom

• Manager and chief pharmacist of one of the large flagship Boots the Chemists stores in Central London.