Director, Oncology Business Planning Lead

AstraZeneca

9d • $185,693 - $270,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking a Director, Business Planning to join the Business Planning Operations and Transformation (BPOT) team within the Global Oncology and Hematology Business Unit (OBU). This role is pivotal in achieving the company's goal of eliminating cancer as a cause of death. The position is located in either Gaithersburg, MD (USA) or Cambridge (United Kingdom) and follows a hybrid working model, requiring employees to be onsite at least three days per week. The role involves leading and contributing to high-impact cross-functional initiatives, requiring strategic thinking, a future-oriented and solution-driven mindset, and effective collaboration with senior stakeholders in a matrixed organization. The Business Planning team is responsible for operationalizing the OBU business operating model from Phase 3/Investment Decisions through launch and maximization, managing late-stage lifecycle opportunities, identifying continuous improvement opportunities, evolving the Business Planning operating model, and partnering with cross-functional teams on strategic guidance for enterprise business planning processes like Tumor Strategy Plans (TSPs) and Brand Strategy Plans (BSPs).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical or related business
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Global, Regional, or pharmaceutical marketing company Commercial business roles, preference for marketing experience
• Demonstrated understanding of end-to-end commercialization process (from late-stage clinical development to life cycle management) at both global and in-market levels.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions and teams in complex environments.
• Proven experience leading simplification initiatives and driving successful business or organizational change.
• Proven ability to drive operational effectiveness or efficiency of teams through structured planning or process optimization and operating model enhancements.
• Ability to anticipate emerging needs, think strategically, design & deliver innovative, high-impact solutions.
• Experience building and enabling cross‑functional, team‑based ways of working while establishing credibility and trust across the organization
• Strong project management experience, including planning, execution, and stakeholder management in a matrix environment
• Experience in a fast-paced high-growth environment
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes without direct authority

Nice To Haves

• Oncology experience
• Experience with successful commercial pharma launches
• Change management experience.
• Experience in leading teams
• Experience in delivering AI projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of Oncology Business Operating Model from Ph3 Investment Decisions, through market shaping, scenario planning, launch excellence and asset maximisation and late-stage lifecycle management
• Own delivery of all business planning process; including Tumor Strategy Plans (TSPs), Business Strategy Plans (BSPs) and Business Operational Plans (BOPs)
• Identify & drive opportunities and embed AI-enabled solutions within business planning processes
• Lead the annual Indication Prioritisation refresh, partnering with Insights & Analytics to ensure robust analysis and effective communication to global, regional and market teams
• Build capability development of IBT leadership and members through partnership with L&D
• Enable and sustain change through proactive stakeholder management, effective communication and cross functional working
• Partner with function leaders and other key stakeholders to ensure ongoing alignment of priorities & activities
• Proactively identify obstacles and roadblocks; addressing complex problems and propose pragmatic, value‑adding solutions
• Drive continuous improvement of current ways of working by simplifying processes, enhancing efficiency, and reducing operational complexity
• Engage regularly with Global, Regional and Market stakeholders to align execution and accelerate impact

Benefits

• short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
• retirement contribution (hourly roles)
• commission payment eligibility (sales roles)
• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director