Senior Director, Strategy

We are seeking a strategically minded leader who is passionate about innovation in Oncology. AstraZeneca has grown to be a leader in Oncology through bold decisions in both our internal pipeline as well as business development. We aim to expand our leadership by leveraging internal and external innovation and building strong scientific networks. 

Do you want to be at the cutting edge of innovation that will lead to a cure for cancer? At AstraZeneca, our team is working to make this a reality by bringing together our world-leading oncology pipeline with emerging innovations and technologies. 

About AstraZeneca  

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical 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.  

Responsibilities:   

In this role, you will report to IO Discovery & Cell Therapy Oncology and be accountable for the development and delivery of Therapeutic Area Strategy for our pipeline, based on our latest priorities.   

• Strategic Leadership: Drive the development and execution of comprehensive Business Unit strategy within Oncology R&D, establishing clear strategic frameworks that prioritize current and future unmet needs, while providing strategic counsel to senior leadership on high-impact and complex topics. 

• Business Development/Partnerships: Direct the identification, evaluation, diligence, and execution of strategic business opportunities including acquisitions, licensing deals, and collaborative partnerships with companies and academic institutions to expand the Unit portfolio and capabilities. 

• Competitive Intelligence: Oversee comprehensive competitive landscape analysis, developing actionable insights on market dynamics, competitor activities, and industry trends to inform strategic decision-making. 

• Program Leadership: Develop clear frameworks to drive discovery programs to clinical execution by establishing cross-functional partnerships (internal and external) projects across the portfolio, making recommendations on resource allocation to maximize ROI and support the strategic vision. 

• Portfolio Development: Partner with R&D lead on the creation of a competitive early pipeline and long-term portfolio vision for the unit, driving an integrated clinical strategy across assets and championing above asset initiatives to accelerate and bolster efforts. 

Basic Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 plus years of experience in consulting, R&D strategy, and/or pharmaceutical business operations  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 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 strategic planning processes and tools