Head of Strategy & Operations, V&I

Senior Director, V&I Strategic Planning and Operations

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.

At AstraZeneca, we're on a mission to bring life-saving medicines to patients worldwide. Our work is meaningful as we actively contribute to reducing global mortality rates. We thrive on energy and pace, constantly pushing boundaries to make an impact at every step of the patient journey. Our inclusive team draws on diverse backgrounds to create innovative solutions that improve patient experiences and outcomes. Join us in shaping the future of BioPharmaceuticals as we define what the next decade looks like.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now to join our journey!

Job Description

In this senior role you will operate as a member of the V&I Senior Leadership Team with a direct reporting line to the SVP, V&I. You will collaborate with SLT, TALT and functional strategic leads to drive an integrated V&I business planning process across all key functions. You will lead and manage several core business processes including LTP, MTP and TA strategy, ensuring that V&I has a comprehensive and cohesive plan across the unit. 

You will also support the SVP in developing, shaping and driving V&I strategic initiatives, execution and performance. You will ensure full strategic alignment and delivery of the activities, initiatives and day-to-day operations of the SVP and V&I Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The role will act as a key liaison to key AZ functions and represent the SVP & V&I SLT view. As such, the role requires an individual with the ability to operate credibly from Board level to front line employees. 

Excellent cross functional leadership experience as well as an extensive knowledge of drug development and commercialization is crucial.  Demonstrably strong skills in the areas of strategic thinking, decision making, communication, enterprise leadership, problem solving, influence without authority and collaboration across R&D, Commercial and Medical will be key. 

Core accountabilities:

Builds V&I strategic agenda and ensure strategic alignment across the V&I unit

• Drives V&I SLT meetings, sets agendas and contributes to SLT beyond own function 

• Accountable for V&I Leadership Council activities and plan 

• Defines the V&I scorecard in collaboration with SLT 

• Drives development of strategic initiatives for the V&I unit, as identified by the SVP and V&I SLT 

• Partners with VP Commercial, VP Medical and regional commercial and medical leads to establish above-brand / franchise global strategies that drive in-market performance, capabilities and launch readiness 

• Supports the SVP in all aspects of the V&I Unit functioning including strategic planning, delivery of key initiatives and administrative 

Defines V&I Business Planning

• Collaborates with SLT, TALT and functional leads to define and drive an integrated business planning process across functions 

• Accountable for Annual Business Cycle, including the Quarterly Business Review (QBR), LTP and MTP, in partnership with Finance 

• Partners with Finance, HR and functional leads to ensure planning and tracking of resource for the Unit 

• Accountable for planning of annual business calendar including V&I SLT meetings and agendas 

Ensures execution of V&I strategy

• Oversees and monitors the implementation of the V&I scorecard goals 

• Tracks V&I strategic initiatives to completion, reporting on progress, ensuring risks and opportunities are assessed 

• Supports SVP to bring TA Strategy to life, to drive engagement through internal and external presentations 

• Works with Corporate Affairs and HR to ensure strong V&I engagement and communications plans are in place internally and externally   

• Oversees the V&I risk management process in partnership with GPPM 

• Ensures service level agreements in place with partners including Supply, Global Commercial and other shared functions 

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

• A minimum of 10+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical industry, with a strong track record of strategic leadership and business acumen 

• Highly developed organizational, planning and management skills and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others 

• Extensive knowledge of the drug development and commercialization process across multiple areas/phases of the value chain 

• Track record of leading large organizations and effective influencing in a matrix environment 

• Ability to provide qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate and support management decisions.   

• Significant international experience and leadership and cultural agility     

Desirable Skills/Experience

• - Previous consulting experience
• - High level agility and enterprise thinking
• - Exceptional project management and change management experience
• - Exceptional communication skills

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $180,875 to $271,313. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. ​