Global Commercial Director, Global Immunology

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by a bold ambition: to deliver life-changing medicines that help achieve clinical remission in immune-mediated diseases. We have already made significant progress through the launch of  (anifrolumab) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the recent launch of a subcutaneous formulation has expanded this further. 

 

With four further Phase 3 development programs currently ongoing in Cutaneous Lupus (CLE), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Lupus Nephritis (LN) and Myositis (IIM), we are now excited to expand and reach additional specialties & patient groups. This is an opportunity to contribute to the continued evolution of an important Immunology franchise and help deliver both near-term brand performance and long-term value. 

About the role 

As  Global Commercial Director, you will contribute to the development and implementation of global commercial strategy across its in-market SLE indication and mid-term lifecycle-management opportunities. 

 

You will support lifecycle launch readiness for potential new indications while also helping to evolve and optimize resources for the existing Saphnelo SLE business. This will require using your existing immunology commercial experience and understanding and applying it to strong strategic thinking, sound commercial judgement.  

Given how many of these areas are new to AZ it will also require the ability to bring together multiple inputs from across the organization to anticipate future needs and develop practical approaches in line with the experience you have gained through previously commercializing similar indications in rheumatology/dermatology. 

Working across a global matrix, you will partner closely with regional and country commercial teams and colleagues in Medical Affairs, Pricing and Market Access, Market Development, Advocacy, Insights and Analytics, R&D, Regulatory, and other relevant functions. You will lead through influence, build alignment across diverse stakeholders, and translate strategy into market ready plans and deliverables. 

 

Key responsibilities 

As  Global Commercial Director, you will: 

 

Driving growth and lifecycle management 

• Contribute to the development and evolution of the global Saphnelo commercial strategy across the in-market SLE indication and mid-term lifecycle-management opportunities. 

• Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, recommendations, milestones, and deliverables for defined brand and lifecycle-management workstreams. 

• Bring together clinical, customer, market, competitive, access, and business inputs to identify implications, anticipate future needs, and inform strategic choices. 

• Lead workstreams or contribute to global launch-readiness activities for potential mid-term Saphnelo lifecycle-management indications, including planning, cross-functional alignment, milestone tracking, and issue resolution. 

• Partner with regional and country teams to gather market feedback, support implementation, and identify opportunities to improve global guidance and resources. 

Cross-functional and matrix effectiveness 

• Build effective partnerships across Commercial, Medical Affairs, Pricing and Market Access, Market Development, Advocacy, Insights and Analytics, R&D, Regulatory, and other relevant functions. 

• Navigate a complex global matrix and influence stakeholders across functions, geographies, and levels without direct authority. 

• Contribute to global team meetings, governance forums, and cross-functional working groups, ensuring actions and decisions are followed through. 

Insights and external engagement 

• Partner with Insights and Analytics colleagues to develop and apply a robust understanding of market dynamics, patient and customer needs, behaviors, barriers, and opportunities to inform strategic planning, launch readiness and resource development. 

• Support engagement with external scientific experts, healthcare professionals, patient advocacy organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, in accordance with applicable policies and standards. 

Project and budget management 

• Lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects from planning through delivery, managing scope, milestones, dependencies, risks, and outcomes. 

• Coordinate project teams and agency partners as appropriate to deliver high-quality outputs while manage allocated budgets responsibly, prioritizing resources to deliver maximum impact and ensuring appropriate tracking, forecasting, and reporting. 

• Contribute to performance reviews through appropriate measures, dashboards, progress updates, and business insights. 

Essential qualifications and experience 

• 3 years experience in launch and in-market commercialisation of advanced treatments such as biologics in SLE or other relevant immunology indications in rheumatology or dermatology is essential for this role. 

• Experience in a significant country commercial role, with an understanding of how global strategies are translated into local execution. 

• Experience contributing to product launches, lifecycle-management activities, brand strategy, or launch-readiness planning. 

• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, workstreams, and deadlines, including managing budgets and external partners. 

• Strong understanding of commercial strategy, including customer and market insights, positioning, competitive assessment, resource development, launch planning and to integrate multiple inputs, and develop clear, pragmatic recommendations. 

• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization and influence without direct authority with excellent collaboration, communication, organization, and stakeholder-management skills. 

• Ability to work effectively in ambiguity, prioritize competing demands, and maintain focus on measurable outcomes. 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, science, or a related discipline. 

 

Why AstraZeneca? 

This is an opportunity to contribute to a high-priority global Immunology franchise and help shape the future of Saphnelo across both its established SLE business and potential lifecycle-management opportunities. You will work in a highly collaborative, international environment where strategic thinking, scientific understanding, and disciplined execution come together to address important needs for people living with immune-mediated disease. 

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. 

Date Posted

16-Oct-2026

Closing Date

29-Oct-2026

Our 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.