Director, Business Planning and Operations

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

4d

About The Position

Shape the future of cancer science with AstraZeneca. Our Oncology R&D pipeline spans 100+ projects across six scientific platforms—Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers & Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody–Drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy, and Epigenetics. We’re driven by one bold ambition: a world where cancer is no longer a cause of death. The Opportunity As Director, Business Planning & Operations (BPO) for Cancer Biomarker Development, you’ll be the strategic partner to the Vice President (VP) and Leadership Team—turning vision into action and ensuring the function operates at peak effectiveness. This highly visible role blends strategic advisory, operational leadership, and resource stewardship to accelerate science and impact patients faster. What You’ll Do Be the VP’s trusted advisor—shaping strategy, framing choices, and enabling agile decisions through data-driven insights and functioning in a similar capacity as CoS. Lead business cases & special initiatives—from partnerships and investments to cross-functional change programs including broad adoption of AI and integration of new capabilities and teams. Own budgeting & resource planning—forecasting, prioritization, and portfolio alignment to meet pipeline needs. Drive operational excellence—design leadership rhythms, track actions, and translate strategy into execution. Champion talent & collaboration—support retention, onboarding, and succession planning while fostering a culture of innovation. What You Bring Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years in drug or biomarker development, including early-phase portfolio management. Proven experience in business case development, project/program management, and operational leadership. Executive-ready communication skills and ability to influence across functions. Strong analytical mindset; adept at simplifying complex processes. Comfortable in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Preferred: Master’s/MBA, deep Oncology knowledge, experience leading cross-functional teams. Why Join Us? At AstraZeneca, we act with urgency and curiosity—turning opportunities into outcomes. If you’re energized by shaping strategy, enabling science, and delivering operational excellence that accelerates patient impact, this is your platform. Join us and help redefine what’s possible in Oncology! Date Posted 19-Dec-2025 Closing Date 04-Jan-2026 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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years in drug or biomarker development, including early-phase portfolio management.
• Proven experience in business case development, project/program management, and operational leadership.
• Executive-ready communication skills and ability to influence across functions.
• Strong analytical mindset; adept at simplifying complex processes.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s/MBA
• deep Oncology knowledge
• experience leading cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

• Be the VP’s trusted advisor—shaping strategy, framing choices, and enabling agile decisions through data-driven insights and functioning in a similar capacity as CoS.
• Lead business cases & special initiatives—from partnerships and investments to cross-functional change programs including broad adoption of AI and integration of new capabilities and teams.
• Own budgeting & resource planning—forecasting, prioritization, and portfolio alignment to meet pipeline needs.
• Drive operational excellence—design leadership rhythms, track actions, and translate strategy into execution.
• Champion talent & collaboration—support retention, onboarding, and succession planning while fostering a culture of innovation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees