Tumor Portfolio Director

Tumor Portfolio Director, GI Cancers and Emerging Portfolio, OBU Global Medical Affairs

Introduction to role

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the utmost integrity even in the most demanding situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We put patients first and follow the science to bring life-changing medicines to patients who need them.

We are seeking a candidate to drive strategic planning and lead Oncology Business Unit (OBU) projects and strategy implementation in the Global Medical Affairs (GMA) organization. This includes interfacing at a franchise level with cross-functional teams across OBU. The role encompasses project oversight, budget management, change management, and cross-functional coordination within the franchise medical team and across the organization. This position reports directly to the Project Management Team Leader for OBU GMA and works closely with the GI Cancer and Emerging Portfolio franchise head. The position will be based in Gaithersburg, MD (USA) or Mississauga (Canada).

The ideal candidate will work effectively with other project and medical leaders to develop integrated plans that can be delivered globally and across cross-functional boundaries. They should demonstrate strategic thinking, collaborative abilities, and decisive action to support the broader goals of OBU Medical.

Accountabilities

• Partner with the GI and Emerging Portfolio Franchise Head as a thought partner to develop and execute the portfolio tumor strategy collaboratively across indications and optimize global and local interfaces for execution.
• Facilitate overall budget and strategic workforce planning across the global franchise team, including forecasting, phasing, and prioritization across the business planning cycle.
• Drive strategic planning for key franchise team deliverables, including development of Medical Plans, Integrated Evidence Plans, High Impact Study Proposals, launch plans, Congress plans, and Scientific exchange plans.
• Facilitate Externally Sponsored Research Review Committee meetings for timely review and decisions on proposals within AZ.
• Create and maintain dashboard for portfolio progress against scorecard objectives.
• Manage, train, and develop a small team of Indication Project Managers (IPMs), assigning specific project responsibilities and creating a high-performing team by building trust and providing mentorship.
• Partner with IPMs to drive efficient functioning of the Medical Implementation Teams (MITs) and ensure connectivity with Integrated Business Teams (IBTs).
• Accountable for implementing medical standards to ensure compliant functioning of the organization.
• Plan and lead key franchise-level meetings and workshops, in partnership with the franchise head and franchise leadership team.
• Identify decisions and track actions to monitor team progress in meetings.
• Coordinate senior leadership requests for presentations on key topics/initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement on ways of working to share best practices to streamline and simplify business processes.
• Lead key workstreams that drive improvements and change across the broader OBU or GMA organizations.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific field or life science.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry or regulated medical products industry.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Medical Affairs, Commercial, and R&D organizations (Global, regional, or local).
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated project management experience in a matrix organization.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders.
• Experience proactively and confidently leading and guiding matrix teams including some team members who are more senior and/or are from various functions and parts of the organization.
• Comprehensive understanding of the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products.
• Experience of successfully influencing cross-functionally, cross-culturally, and cross-brands.
• Experience of effectively working in a multi-cultural, matrixed environment.
• Experience working in a global setting, managing stakeholders within different time zones.
• Experience preparing and/or delivering presentations to executive leadership.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• MBA, Ph.D., or PharmD desired.
• People management experience strongly preferred but not required.
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing project managers strongly preferred but not required.
• Graduate level degree in sciences or business degree preferred.
• Six Sigma Medical/Process Excellence and/or Project Management/PMP/FPX certification is a plus but not required.
• Depth of understanding of medical, scientific, and/or commercial pharmaceutical marketplace of Oncology is a plus.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Skilled in change management including process development and implementation, people development, organizational effectiveness, and communication
• Able to deliver high quality work outputs despite ambiguity or ever-changing environment
• Delivery focus with an ability to oversee and manage multiple project deliverables in very short timelines
• Interpersonal skills with an ability to display a variety of leadership styles dependent upon the situation
• Evidence of the ability to pull together diverse teams over whom they have no line management responsibility in a matrix environment (i.e. Ability to influence and drive for results)
• Demonstrated knowledge and very wide understanding of global business context
• An excellent communicator; evidence of strong independence and innovative seeker of strategic solutions; forward looking
• Strong leadership attributes to clarify strategic direction, generate commitment, balance short and long-term needs, resolve differences constructively, and reinforce expectations

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 144,026.40 - 216,039.60 USD. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered include a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Why AstraZeneca?

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca is driven by a bold ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We relentlessly follow the science, challenging the status quo to deliver more effective treatments to patients in need. Our commitment means we purposefully push back the limits of knowledge to change the practice of medicine. We foster an environment where everyone can be themselves and bring their true self to work. Our culture encourages innovation, collaboration, and courageous leadership. Join us on this journey to make a significant impact on patients' lives.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

Date Posted

15-Apr-2025

Closing Date

28-Apr-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.