Global MSL Excellence Director

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

About The Position

The Oncology Global MSL Excellence Director defines the tumour-area-specific Field Medical strategy and oversees initiatives that strengthen MSL capabilities across AstraZeneca regions for the Oncology Business Unit. This role serves as the tumour area’s primary Field Medical contact and subject-matter expert, providing consultation on MSL-related activities and leading the Field Medical Leadership Team (FMLT) to improve operational and engagement excellence, promote enterprise Field Medical standards, develop Oncology-specific capabilities, and shape the future Field Medical role in Oncology. The Director works with Global Medical Affairs, Global Clinical Operations, Global Medical Excellence, Strategy and Operations (MESO), in-market Field Medical leadership, and other partners. The role aligns Field Medical strategy and MSL resource allocation with global tumour-area priorities and local needs, and is accountable for strategy and roadmap development, tactical planning and execution, clinical trial support, insights, impact measurement, digital adoption, compliance, team development, and budget and vendor management.

Requirements

Advanced degree in a scientific discipline or health sciences field.
At least 5 years of experience in an MSL organisation, including leadership of Field Medical teams.
Experience working in a Global and/or Regional Medical Affairs role.
Oncology experience and deep understanding of medical strategy, clinical development, Medical Affairs, and Field Medical.
Track record leading above-country programmes that support operational excellence and capability development of high-performing Field Medical teams.
Strong strategic thinking, prioritisation, communication, and collaboration skills.
Ability to manage strategic relationships and lead and influence in a matrix organisation.
Robust project and budget management skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in MSL performance management and outcomes-based reporting.
Clear understanding of compliance requirements and governing bodies for MSL programmes.
Effective problem-solving using creative solutions and project management skills.

Responsibilities

Define and govern the tumour-area Field Medical strategy and 12–24-month roadmap, aligned with Global medical strategy, scientific narratives, care gaps, evidence milestones, launches, and external engagement needs.
Lead the Field Medical Leadership Team and drive localisation and operationalisation of Field Medical strategy and MSL activities in line with tumour-area priorities and local needs.
Align and integrate Field Medical tactics; track and report success measures, budget, and timelines; monitor delivery by Associate Directors and affiliates; adapt plans, escalate risks, and propose solutions.
Represent Field Medical in global and regional cross-functional forums and collaborate with Global Medical Affairs, Clinical Operations, Medical Excellence, MESO, local Field Medical teams, and alliance stakeholders.
Lead collaboration with Global Clinical Operations, Global Medical Affairs, and local markets on Field Medical support for the clinical development programme, including study prioritisation governance, expectations, and resolution of delivery challenges.
Set Field Medical insights priorities, external engagement strategy, and quality standards in alignment with Global Medical strategy and market needs; promote consistent regional adoption and ensure timely discussion and escalation of insights that inform strategy, evidence plans, and launch decisions.
Communicate tumour-area Field Medical activity and impact to senior medical leadership and cross-functional partners, and take corrective action to meet OBU KPIs and enterprise Field Medical expectations.
Promote understanding and adoption of the Field Medical digital systems and tools vision, including CRM, and represent Field Medical needs and adoption barriers to enterprise product teams.
Serve as the tumour area’s Field Medical subject-matter expert and primary point of contact, providing clear and compliant consultation and guidance on MSL activities and supporting consistent adoption of the enterprise vision for Field Medical roles.
Ensure GMSLE activities and market guidance comply with global Field Medical standards; anticipate risks and implement mitigation measures.
Develop capabilities and high-performance practices across the Global MSL Excellence function through coaching, mentoring Associate Directors, sharing best practices, and cross-project learning; champion innovative and scalable initiatives.
Manage the overarching GMSLE budget, align spending with company objectives, forecast and track spend, recommend tumour-area prioritisation, and ensure effective and cost-efficient use of external vendors.