Executive Director, Oncology Research and Development Strategy

Executive Director, Oncology Research and Development Strategy

Location options: Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States | London, United Kingdom

Do you have a strategic mindset, analytical rigor, and collaborative people leadership that enables you to deliver positive outcomes on high-impact projects that will ultimately transform outcomes for cancer patients? Are you looking to demonstrate those skills to help lead the teams that shape our future oncology strategy, portfolio and decision making?

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led pharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise.

Within Oncology R&D we are empowered to be bold, take calculated risks and use our intelligence and courage to always follow the science. This approach has enabled us to successfully deliver 7 new Oncology medicines in as many years.

It is the breadth and strength of our innovative pipeline that offers both security and stability. And with the goal to deliver 10 new molecular entities by 2030, it’s up to each of us to drive our industry-leading Oncology pipeline forward and build the future.

Oncology Strategy, Business Development & Alliances (SBDA) Team

Our team sits at the center of Oncology R&D – driving our R&D strategy and addressing the unmet needs and future focus of AstraZeneca’s oncology pipeline. We operate both internally and externally, leading collaboration and acquisition opportunities as well as partnering closely with external alliances.

Responsibilities:

In this role you will report to the SVP, Oncology Strategy and be accountable for helping to influence investment decisions by delivering analysis and insights to Senior Leadership and other key partners to ensure a full understanding of the constantly evolving healthcare and oncology landscape as part of the Therapeutic Area Strategy (TA Strategy) team.

Working with a team of specialists, you will own the delivery of analysis, using knowledge of the broader healthcare industry, as well as the oncology therapy area and external resources to shape future-proofed therapy area (TA) strategies. You will drive in-depth analysis ofkey business, technology and competitive trends that could impact our global oncology strategy to provide respectful challenge to key decision makers. Given there is a range of partners, you will have an opportunity to influence strategy though your intellectual agility and communication skills, building a network of trusted relationships.

Provide actionable insights and comprehensive analyses to inform Oncology investment strategies, ensuring senior leadership is well-informed about the evolving healthcare landscape. Conduct assessments of business, technological, and competitive trends to challenge decision-makers effectively.

Equip Oncology senior leadership with key insights from investors and competitive analyses. Continuously monitor market trends and investor sentiment to enhance messaging and strategy.

You will partner with the Competitive Intelligence team to analyse industry trends and competitor activities. Actively mentor the team to strengthen communication skills and design training initiatives to elevate analytical and presentation capabilities as well as promoting continuous growth and development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 10 years of experience working in research and/or with data, analysis and fact-based decision-making
• A critical, innovative thinker with a background in oncology, clinical / investment research and/or management / corporate management
• Highly intellectual with excellent analytical skills and learning agility
• Experienced in leading cross-functional teams with ability to influence without authority
• A clear communicator with the ability to communicate complex issues simply
• Resourceful, motivated, decisive and proactive; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-growing organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Educated to PhD, MD, ACA or MBA level
• More than 10+ years of working experience in financial and investment analysis focused on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries
• In-depth understanding of clinical data, clinical trial design, regulatory frameworks, financial reporting, investment decision making

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Effective interpersonal and relationship management skills with consultative approach and ability to interact and build trust
• Operational effectiveness, highly organized process with follow through
• Strong initiative to understand our core business goals and establish processes or programs to set direction, generate alignment and push forward
• Financial background and understanding of forecasts, budgets, financial activities and tools
• Resourceful, motivated, influential and proactive; able to prioritize in a fast-growing organization
• Experience in company management, strategic planning processes and tools
• Understanding of the healthcare industry and pharmaceutical business (including R&D)
• Experience in translating business needs into a coordinated plan from cross-functional senior leadership team
• Ability to develop creative and simple solutions to complex problems

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what is next?

If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and passionate about the possibilities, then we want to hear from you!