Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D

AstraZeneca

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for owning and driving the global Oncology R&D strategy, setting priorities for the senior executive team, and transforming the approach to deliver impact for patients across disease areas and/or platform technologies. It's a critical opportunity to apply scientific expertise and strategic analysis to influence high-stakes decisions with direct patient impact. The successful candidate will 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.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree