Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D

At AstraZeneca, every one of our employees makes a difference to patient lives every day. Each of us believes that science can change lives and to deliver this takes many people with many skill sets. When we deliver a life-changing medicine, that success comes from the combined efforts of all our people.

Oncology at AstraZeneca is unparalleled. We have created and strategically acquired one of the most promising Oncology pipelines in the industry.  You will be among inspiring oncology industry leaders who will keep you engaged and empower you to be the best. We seek out opportunities to do varied meaningful work which means we won't just follow the same course of action time and again if we can see potential in a different way of creating life changing medicine.

Our vision to tackle cancer is bold - we commit to pushing the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine, transforming the lives of patients living with cancer, and ultimately eliminating cancer as a cause of death. No matter where our teams are based, we share a collective sense of urgency - to defeat cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients. At AstraZeneca, we have reinvented ourselves and developed a unique, differentiated strategy to fundamentally shift the way cancer is treated.

AstraZeneca has a strong and growing Oncology pipeline across multiple scientific pillars and tumor types. The continued success of this pipeline requires a team of highly skilled Strategy Leads to guide the creation of comprehensive therapeutic area strategies that integrate clinical, scientific, and commercial insights to shape portfolio decisions and break down complex investment decisions and priorities across assets and platforms.

As an Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D, you will develop and deliver Therapeutic Area Strategy which may include a specific disease area and/or platform technology based on our latest priorities. This is a critical and exciting opportunity to use your scientific knowledge and strategic analysis expertise to lead and influence decisions that will have a direct impact on patients’ lives. Working at the highest level, you will ensure the decisions we make best position AstraZeneca for maximum return on investment and positive patient outcomes.  You will also be accountable for maintaining strong partnerships with the Senior Executive Team (SET) leaders and clear ways of working with our Competitive Intelligence, Business Development and Academic Partnerships team.

To be successful, you will need:

• Clear and organized thinking with ability to simplify and prioritize complex problems

• Strong understanding of financial evaluation of an asset or brand

• Organizational awareness and experience of commercial pharmaceutical business planning

• Ability to establish and maintain credibility with senior audiences

• Familiarity with the oncology market and key trends with emerging science

This is an opportunity for a motivated, collaborative, data-driven leader to shape strategic direction and drive portfolio decisions that advance our bold ambition to one day eradicate cancer as a cause of death.

Accountabilities:

• Develop and prioritize Oncology R&D portfolio strategy: Lead the creation of comprehensive therapeutic area strategies that integrate clinical, scientific, and commercial insights to shape portfolio decisions and investment priorities across assets and platforms.

• Define strategic direction for growth: Establish and communicate clear strategic direction for near- and long-term growth, ensuring alignment with company-wide oncology objectives and addressing evolving market dynamics.

• Advise executive senior leadership: Provide disciplined, insight driven recommendations on complex strategic topics to C-suite stakeholders, delivering clear and actionable guidance on portfolio optimization and investment decisions.

• Partner across the enterprise: Collaborate with leaders across clinical development, discovery, business development, and other key functions to create cohesive long-term strategies that drive innovation and impact.

• Analyze and generate strategic insights: Conduct rigorous analysis of internal and external data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for portfolio growth and optimization, translating findings into actionable strategic recommendations.

• Lead cross-functional collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across all stakeholder groups, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to deliver on high-impact strategic objectives.

• Drive effective communication: Ensure clear and compelling communication of strategy, progress, and priorities to diverse audiences, both internal and external, maintaining transparency and alignment across the organization.

• Navigate complex strategic landscapes: Integrate understanding of clinical trial design, competitive dynamics, regulatory environments, and market access considerations to inform strategic prioritization and investment decisions.

• Lead and develop talent: Guide and develop team members, maintaining trusted partnerships with clinical, commercial and strategy leaders, and influencing senior stakeholders across Oncology R&D without formal authority.

• Ensure strategic excellence: Drive clarity and consistency across key strategic processes, establishing best practices and maintaining rigorous standards for analysis, decision-making, and execution.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Education and experience: BA/BS and 10 years of experience in life sciences or consulting firm with focus in life science programs, OR MS/MBA and 8+ years of experience OR PhD or MD and 5+ years of experience

• Oncology expertise: Deep understanding of Oncology Therapeutic Area Strategy which may include a specific disease area and/or platform technologies, with proven experience in the pharmaceutical industry or consulting contributing to strategic planning and portfolio decisions

• Executive presence and leadership: Ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior executive teams, with demonstrated ability to lead and influence experienced professionals in a fast-paced, highly matrixed work environment

• Strategic thinking: Ability to think critically, creatively and to anticipate and solve problems, with excellent analysis and fact-based decision-making capabilities

• Agility and impact orientation: Highly intellectually capable with agility and adaptability, motivated by working in a fast-paced field with clear societal impact

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Deep Scientific Expertise: PhD in life sciences, MD and/or MBA

• Consulting, VC, equity, or finance experience: Background in management consulting, venture capital, private equity, or finance with demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous financial and strategic analyses to inform investment and portfolio decisions

• Financial acumen: Strong financial background and understanding of forecasts, budgets, and financial tools to support strategic decision-making

• Strategic planning expertise: Experience in strategic planning processes and tools, with ability to translate business needs into coordinated plans and develop creative solutions to complex problems

• Deep pharmaceutical knowledge: Understanding of pharmaceutical R&D business including clinical trial design, drug development processes, regulatory dynamics, and pricing landscapes in major markets

• Consultative leadership: Strong analytical and communication skills combined with effective interpersonal abilities to build trust, influence without authority, and drive alignment across senior cross-functional teams

• Global perspective: Ability to work across global teams and priorities delivering operational effectiveness and prioritization in a fast-growing, highly matrixed organization

Office Working Requirements

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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $270,222 to $405,332. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives by shaping the future of oncology innovation at AstraZeneca. If you're ready to apply your strategic expertise and leadership to help us achieve our ambitious goals, we encourage you to apply.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.