Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for an Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, focusing on eliminating cancer as a cause of death. The position involves crafting integrated therapeutic area strategies by combining clinical, scientific, and commercial insights to shape portfolio choices and investment priorities. The Executive Director will own and drive the global Oncology R&D strategy, setting priorities for the senior executive team and transforming the approach to deliver impact across disease areas and platform technologies. This critical opportunity requires applying scientific expertise and strategic analysis to influence high-stakes decisions with direct patient impact, optimizing 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 or 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.

Benefits

• Eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles.
• Qualified retirement programs
• Paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves)
• Health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

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