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Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
Hybrid
What if your next role helped eliminate cancer as a cause of death?
At AstraZeneca, our Oncology ambition is unparalleled. We’ve built and strategically acquired one of the most promising pipelines in the industry, driven by a bold vision to push the boundaries of science, change the practice of medicine, and ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. You will be among inspiring oncology industry leaders who will empower you to be the best, joining teams with a shared sense of urgency to cure cancer and transform patients’ lives.
With a strong and growing pipeline across multiple scientific pillars and tumor types, we rely on highly skilled Strategy Leads to craft integrated therapeutic area strategies, combining clinical, scientific, and commercial insights to shape portfolio choices and clarify sophisticated investment priorities across assets and platforms.
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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.
To be successful, you will need:
The application of strong, data-driven analysis to move beyond high-level views
Deep scientific acumen to navigate complex data and insights
The ability to establish and maintain credibility with senior audiences
Proven track record to anticipate and shape the oncology market and key trends with emerging science
Accountabilities:
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.
Essential Skills/Experience:
Education and experience: 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
Oncology expertise: 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
Executive presence and leadership: 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
Strategic and impact oriented: 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.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
Deep Scientific Expertise: PhD in life sciences, MD
Consulting, VC, equity, or finance experience: 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
Strategic planning expertise: Experience in strategic planning processes and tools, with ability to translate business needs into coordinated plans and develop creative solutions to complex problems
Deep pharmaceutical knowledge: Understanding of pharmaceutical R&D business including clinical trial design, drug development processes, regulatory dynamics, and pricing landscapes in major markets
Consultative leadership: Strong analytical and communication skills combined with effective interpersonal abilities to build trust, influence without authority, and drive alignment across senior cross-functional teams
Financial acumen: Strong financial background and understanding of forecasts, budgets, and financial tools to support strategic decision-making
Global perspective: Ability to work across global teams and priorities delivering operational effectiveness and prioritization in a fast-growing, highly matrixed organization
Office Working Requirements
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. This role is available in the following AstraZeneca locations only: US--Gaithersburg MD, Boston MA or New York, NY UK: Cambridge or London. Remote or travel constructs and alternative AZ locations will not be supported.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $270,222 to $405,332. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives by shaping the future of oncology innovation at AstraZeneca. If you're ready to apply your strategic expertise and leadership to help us achieve our ambitious goals, we encourage you to apply.
Date Posted
02-Sep-2026Closing Date
29-Sep-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
