Head of Early Asset, OBU, International

AstraZeneca; Dubai; On-site; AED 550,863 - 697,759; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking a Director to drive oncology assets from Phase 2 through registration and launch. This role requires deep oncology expertise and leadership in a fast-paced environment. The individual will shape strategies around evidence generation and access, working closely with cross-functional teams.

Key skills include strong command of clinical data and strategic influence at governance levels. The position offers an opportunity to make impactful decisions that ensure patients receive innovative treatments sooner.

Qualifications

• Deep Oncology expertise with late-stage strategy experience.
• Demonstrated influence at senior governance levels.
• Exceptional analytical and strategic skills.

Responsibilities

• Own oncology asset strategy from Phase 2 to launch.
• Shape evidence strategy and influence trial designs.
• Co-create pricing access strategies with regional teams.

Skills

Oncology expertise

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Clinical data interpretation

Education

Advanced scientific qualification (MD, PhD, or PharmD)

Job description

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to turn breakthrough science into high impact launches across diverse markets accelerating access for patients who need new options most This role sits at the critical junction between discovery and delivery converting mechanism of action biomarkers and clinical profiles into clear value-maximizing pathways that work in the real world.

You will lead how our earliest oncology assets progress from Phase 2 decisions through registration and launch shaping evidence access and diagnostic strategies that reflect local standards of care and payer a setting that empowers local ownership you will bring entrepreneurial thinking to complex fast-moving environments so that each decision advances both patient outcomes and business performance.

Accountabilities:

• Asset Strategy Ownership: Set the International Oncology asset strategy from Phase 2 decision points through Phase 3 and COMMID translating mechanism of action biomarker strategy and clinical profile into viable value-maximizing launch pathways by market archetype.
• Governance and Influence: Chair the International Oncology Early Asset forum and lead International input to GPTs; provide science-based recommendations into ILT and support LSPC preparations on wave plans indication sequencing and launch/no launch propositions.
• Decision Frameworks: Own Oncology-specific iLVA policy criteria and templates; define explicit no-go thresholds and fast-track pathways to enable timely data-driven decisions.
• Evidence Strategy and Trial Influence: Shape Phase 3 and registration-enabling program designs to reflect International standards of care comparators biomarker prevalence and subpopulation needs; ensure PROs/HRQoL and other endpoints align with HTA -create and secure execution of an International evidence plan (including RWE pragmatic studies EAPs and post-authorization commitments) to address payer and guideline decision drivers in priority markets. Also anticipate and guide CMC and supply considerations; stability shelf life cold chain pack/label needs critical to International launch feasibility.
• Market Access and Value Strategy: Co-create pricing access and reimbursement strategies with Regional Market Access and HEOR; align on surrogate endpoint acceptance indirect comparison needs and risk-sharing constructs suitable for emerging and mature markets. Define the International value proposition and clinical narrative by tumor type and line of therapy; ensure payer-ready evidence economic models and value dossiers are available in line with wave plans.
• Companion Diagnostics Enablement: Co-lead the International CDx strategy regulatory pathways lab accreditation assay availability and data integration; direct partnerships with diagnostic companies and lab networks to secure test availability aligned to launch.
• Risk Management and Decision Execution: Maintain a comprehensive risk register across clinical regulatory access CDx CMC and supply domains; assign owners and mitigation timelines escalating trade-offs to governance as needed. Conduct scenario planning and sensitivity analyses for wave plans and uptake assumptions; ensure assumptions are reflected in RBU/QBR/ABU planning and supply synchronization.
• International Cross-Functional Leadership & Capability Building: Lead the International Oncology Cross Functional Team (Commercial Medical Regulatory Market Access/HEOR Diagnostics CMC/Supply Finance Digital); ensure clear accountabilities and delivery against iLVA and wave plan milestones.
• Portfolio Shaping and BD Integration: Evaluate Oncology BD/licensing opportunities for International strategic fit scientific differentiation and access feasibility; contribute to due diligence and integration planning.
• Therapy Area Strategy: Shape the International Oncology TA strategy with the VP OBU International including investment prioritization indication lifecycle planning and post-launch optimization.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Advanced scientific qualification (MD PhD or PharmD; strong MSc with extensive Oncology leadership considered)
• Deep Oncology expertise with hands on impact on late-stage strategy (solid tumours and/or hematologic malignancies) including biomarker/CDx strategy and evolving standards of care
• Proven senior leadership integrating science and commercial strategy to influence Phase 3 design evidence generation and access outcomes across multiple International markets
• Strong command of clinical data interpretation comparative effectiveness HEOR principles and RWE methods relevant to HTA/payer decision making in Oncology
• Demonstrated influence at senior governance (GPTs ILT; LSPC preparation) with a track record of securing alignment on complex science driven trade-offs
• Exceptional analytical and strategic skills to synthesize ambiguous data run scenario planning and make decisive recommendations
• Extensive matrix leadership: directing cross functional above country teams and coaching Oncology capabilities in diverse healthcare systems

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Above country leadership spanning both mature and emerging markets; familiarity with regulatory and HTA archetypes beyond US/EU5
• Experience scaling companion diagnostics (regulatory approvals lab network enablement quality systems data/reporting)
• Established networks with KEEs/guideline contributors and experience with payer/HTA scientific advice
• Experience assessing and integrating Oncology BD assets

Why AstraZeneca:

Here your decisions directly shape how cutting-edge oncology medicines reach patients sooner with real ownership to adapt for local standards of care and payer needs. You will work at the forefront of a strong pipeline leveraging big data and real-world evidence while learning from colleagues across continents.

If you are ready to convert science into scalable launches and shape the future trajectory of our oncology portfolio across diverse markets take the lead and put your impact in motion today.

Date Posted

24-Mar-2026

Closing Date

07-Apr-2026

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds with as wide a range of perspectives as possible and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment) as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Required Experience:

Director