Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is critical for shaping the future of oncology innovation at AstraZeneca. As an Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D, you will own and drive the global Oncology R&D strategy, setting priorities for the senior executive team and transforming our approach to deliver impact for patients across disease areas and/or platform technologies aligned to our latest priorities. This is a critical opportunity to apply scientific expertise and strategic analysis to influence high-stakes decisions with direct patient impact. Working at the highest level, you will ensure our choices optimize return on investment and patient outcomes by presenting clear options, tradeoffs, and recommendations tied to value and risk.

Requirements

BA/BS and 10 years of experience with focus in life science programs, consulting, equity research OR MS/MBA and 8+ years of experience OR PhD or MD and 5+ years of experience
Deep understanding of Oncology Therapeutic Area Strategy which may include a specific disease area and/or platform technologies, with proven experience contributing to strategic planning and portfolio decisions
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
Demonstrates critical and creative thinking, anticipates and solves problems with rigorous, fact-based analysis, and thrives in a fast-paced environment, bringing agility and adaptability to deliver outcomes with clear societal impact.

Nice To Haves

PhD in life sciences
MD
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 is strongly preferred
Experience in strategic planning processes and tools, with ability to translate business needs into coordinated plans and develop creative solutions to complex problems
Understanding of pharmaceutical R&D business including clinical trial design, drug development processes, regulatory dynamics, and pricing landscapes in major markets
Strong analytical and communication skills combined with effective interpersonal abilities to build trust, influence without authority, and drive alignment across senior cross-functional teams
Strong financial background and understanding of forecasts, budgets, and financial tools to support strategic decision-making
Ability to work across global teams and priorities delivering operational effectiveness and prioritization in a fast-growing, highly matrixed organization

Responsibilities

Own the Oncology R&D portfolio strategy: Lead the creation of comprehensive therapeutic area strategies that integrate clinical, scientific, and commercial insights to shape strategic priorities across assets and platforms.
Advise executive senior leadership: Provide disciplined, insight driven recommendations on complex strategic topics to senior stakeholders, delivering clear and actionable guidance on portfolio optimization and investment decisions.
Drive meaningful action: Build credibility through expertise, relationships, and trust to persuade and align others without formal authority, leading using robust evidence, metrics, and clear cases to legitimize 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.
Analytical depth and rigor: Set the standards of strong analytical skills to break down complex problems, ensuring decisions, vision, and strategy are firmly grounded in evidence.
Analyze and generate strategic insights: Lead meticulous 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: Build and lead a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across all stakeholder groups, partnering with internal and external collaborators to deliver on high-impact strategic objectives.
Dive 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 clinical trial design, competitive dynamics, regulatory environments, and market access considerations to advise strategic prioritization and investment decisions.
Ensure strategic excellence: Drive clarity and consistency across key strategic processes, establishing best practices and maintaining thorough standards for analysis, decision-making, and execution.