Director, Business Planning and Operations

Director, Business Planning and Operations

Cancer Biomarker Development, Early Oncology R&D

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the utmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe. 

We are committed to advancing the science of oncology to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody-drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We currently have over 100 Oncology projects in our robust pipeline. We deliver the Research & Development for Oncology through our Oncology R&D Unit, spanning discovery to late-stage development.

Overview

The Director, Business Planning and Operations is a strategic partner and trusted advisor for the Vice President (VP), Cancer Biomarker Development and Department Leadership Team. In this highly collaborative and visible role, you will be instrumental in shaping the evolving organization and business strategy, supporting special initiatives, leading business case development, and driving budgeting and planning processes. 

You will work closely with the central Business Planning and Operations Team to ensure alignment and operational excellence, leveraging your experience in drug and biomarker development and expertise in complex business processes. As a thought partner, you will provide counsel to the VP and Leadership Team, ensuring sound decision-making for both near- and long-term objectives. Leveraging data and insights, you will inform key business strategies, oversee the execution of special projects, and lead resource and budget planning efforts to deliver maximum value for the department and organization. 

Key Responsibilities

Thought Partnership & Strategic Advisor

• Serve as a thought partner and trusted confidant to the VP and Cancer Biomarker Department Leadership Team, shaping, informing, and challenging business strategy.

• Provide expert guidance and recommendations on business planning, operational processes, and organizational priorities. 

• Support and enable agile, proactive leadership decisions by delivering critical insights, thoughtful business analysis, and objective counsel. 

Business Cases & Special Initiatives 

• Drive the development of robust business cases for strategic partnerships, investments, or process improvements. 

• Lead or support high-priority, cross-functional and departmental initiatives and special projects – including non-drug scientific, technical, strategic, and change projects. 

• Champion new ways of working, leading the evolution of operating models and fostering collaboration across teams. 

Budgeting, Planning & Resource Management 

• Lead the development, execution, and monitoring of the department’s budgeting and resource planning processes. 

• Provide oversight and analysis for man power and non man power forecasting, spend tracking, and variance management; implement corrective actions as needed. 

• Direct regular portfolio prioritization and resource allocation discussions to address departmental and pipeline needs. 

• Oversee progress toward annual objectives and budget targets, reporting regularly to the Leadership Team. 

Operational Leadership 

• Support the Cancer Biomarker Leadership Team through meeting planning, agenda-setting, and action tracking. 

• Coordinate the development of annual objectives, metrics, and success criteria with departmental leadership. 

• Work closely with Oncology Portfolio and Capacity Management, facilitating resource discussions and recruitment/onboarding of critical hires. 

• Support retention, talent development, and succession planning initiatives. 

• Maintain oversight of all Cancer Biomarker initiatives and BAU activities, ensuring alignment with wider Oncology prioritization. 

• Strategically partner with Communications to deliver key departmental engagements and share critical updates. 

• Apply methodologies to translate strategy into