Director, Translational Medicine Portfolio Strategy and Business Improvement

Director, Translational Medicine Portfolio Strategy and Business Improvement

Company Overview AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that emphasizes the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. We are more than just a leading pharmaceutical company; we cultivate an environment that fosters collaboration and innovation by attracting top talent and nurturing development.

Department Overview Within Haematology R&D, we are dedicated to advancing science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients in need. Our combination-focused pipeline harnesses the power of multiple scientific platforms—immuno-oncology, tumor drivers and resistance, DNA damage response, antibody-drug conjugates, cell therapy, and epigenetics—to address unmet needs in hematological cancers. Our commitment to scientific discovery and collaboration drives our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death, managing the value chain from discovery to late-stage development.

Translational Medicine (TM) Overview Translational Medicine (TM) transforms hematological cancer biology into actionable insights for therapeutic development and clinical decision-making within the Oncology space. Operating within the Haematology R&D division, TM is responsible for delivering innovative, strategic biomarker studies to support Hematology & Oncology project teams to make decisions. The TM team collaborates closely with preclinical bioscience and discovery, clinical development, and precision medicine & biosamples functions. TM provides robust, scientifically-driven biomarkers for all Haematology projects covering leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. This includes assay development, technical validation, and biomarker analysis for clinical samples. TM conducts translational research across early and late-phase clinical engagements, integrating advanced biomarker strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Coordinate key TM initiatives across both translational medicine and cross-functional heme organization activities, bringing together scientific, business, and operational needs across TM to successfully deliver projects and achieve organizational goals while championing new strategic initiatives ensuring scientific and business alignment across the organization.

• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives, particularly around early-stage program organization, late-stage patient selection, and strategic partnerships for assay development, developing and implementing new operational strategies that improve business continuity and effectiveness in the complex, fast-moving Heme-Onc environment.

• Oversee portfolio prioritization processes for translational medicine initiatives in alignment with the head of TM, including balancing resource allocation across programs to maximize impact and business value while driving business improvement projects that enhance translational medicine operations.

• Support Heme TM leadership teams through strategic planning, objective setting, and performance monitoring while facilitating leadership meetings, coordinating annual planning cycles, and ensuring measurable metrics and success criteria are defined for all initiatives.

• Oversee TM budget forecasting, resource planning, and work with the TM Heme LT to coordinate recruitment efforts, supporting talent development, retention, and succession planning initiatives including managing training modules, supporting open head count requests, and managing succession planning for the Heme TM LT.

• Provide vision for future organizational needs and organizational direction, helping to bridge key gaps across the growing Heme-Onc organization while supporting the evolution of the organization to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing therapeutic landscape.

• Integrate Artificial Intelligence into TM workflow and operations, demonstrating a commitment to grow and learn with this technology while representing AstraZeneca at external events and maintaining networks with scientific and business experts.

• Perform all duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree with minimum of 10 years' relevant industry experience with 3+ years focus on strategy or operations.

• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical development and experience in oncology and hematology highly preferred.

• Previous experience in similar director-level roles with experience in portfolio management, strategic planning, and business process improvement.

• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, interdependent projects with strong ability to influence across organizational levels and functions.

• Demonstrated success in driving strategic initiatives and business improvements with track record of value creation and cross-functional team leadership.

• Understanding of drug development principles combined with strong business strategy and process improvement expertise.

• Experience with portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, and business case development.

• Commitment to work with AI tools required and experience with AI tools preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior management and external stakeholders.

• Extensive project management experience with ability to translate strategic vision into practical execution plans.

• Proven ability to manage through constant change and fast-paced environments while maintaining attention to detail and quality standards.

• Experience leading large-scale organizational change or business transformation initiatives.

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, you'll be part of a vibrant community where diverse minds collaborate to make a significant impact. Our dynamic environment encourages innovation and agility as we work cross-functionally to drive growth and deliver life-changing medicines. With access to industry-leading research and technology, you'll have the opportunity to accelerate your career while contributing to our bold ambition of transforming cancer care. We are committed to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo to ensure no patient is left behind.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now and be part of our journey to revolutionize science!