Head of Diagnostics

AstraZeneca plc; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc is hiring a high-level Diagnostics leader to set national objectives for diagnostic programs and drive adoption of companion testing. The role focuses on stakeholder engagement with laboratory decision makers and pathologists, delivering technical data presentations, and ensuring QA standards across testing processes.

You will lead cross-functional teams to align strategies with market trends and regulatory changes, while supporting customers and sales teams to demonstrate the

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in diagnostic or pharmaceutical sales.
• Proven management experience in field sales.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with market-based and global partners.
• Ability to identify strategies with the greatest business impact, formulate appropriate business plans, and lead teams to execute them.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication competencies.
• Experience in managing budgets.
• Thorough understanding of customer segments and market dynamics within the diagnostic area.
• Ability to lead, manage, and develop staff.
• Previous successful experience in team selling or customer support environments.
• Demonstrated presentation and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that Diagnostic Manager objectives are met at a national level by setting clear goals in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Develop a strategy for adoption of companion diagnostic testing, including defining metrics to measure success.
• Identify and build relationships with key scientific stakeholders such as laboratory decision makers, anatomical and molecular pathologists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Provide approved, relevant educational material on diagnostics to enhance understanding and competency among clinical laboratory leaders and their staff.
• Deliver highly technical presentations on data related to diagnostics and testing.
• Educate on the importance of diagnostic quality assurance (QA) programs to ensure high standards in testing processes.
• Partner with diagnostic companies, lab networks, and healthcare professionals to identify and resolve barriers to diagnostic testing, driving accessibility and efficiency.
• Develop tailored strategies that support and educate on appropriate diagnostic testing practices.
• Align actions with broader business plans and assess the impact of external market trends and regulatory changes on organizational strategies to adapt accordingly.
• Work alongside customers and sales teams in the field to influence customer perceptions and reinforce the value of the brand portfolio.
• Focus on delivering on high-impact opportunities by implementing customer-specific approaches based upon their needs and preferences.
• Demonstrate exceptional awareness of both situational contexts and individual motivations, using this insight to influence stakeholders effectively and drive results.
• Use robust analytical methods to identify issues and opportunities early, integrating new perspectives to refine solutions and strategies.
• Anticipate and eliminate potential obstacles to ensure that teams can focus on delivering impactful results efficiently.
• Lead, coach, and develop Diagnostics Managers, defining clear roles, responsibilities and business objectives, and fostering professional growth and engagement.
• Adhere to compliance standards, including the AZ Code of Conduct, Market Policy Handbook, and other regulatory guidelines, ensuring the highest ethical accountability in all professional activities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Presentation skills

Budget management

Market knowledge

Education

Undergraduate degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Typical Accountabilities

• Ensure that Diagnostic Manager objectives are met at a national level by setting clear goals in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Develop a strategy for adoption of companion diagnostic testing, including defining metrics to measure success.
• Identify and build relationships with key scientific stakeholders such as laboratory decision makers, anatomical and molecular pathologists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Provide approved, relevant educational material on diagnostics to enhance understanding and competency among clinical laboratory leaders and their staff.
• Deliver highly technical presentations on data related to diagnostics and testing.
• Educate on the importance of diagnostic quality assurance (QA) programs to ensure high standards in testing processes.
• Partner with diagnostic companies, lab networks, and healthcare professionals to identify and resolve barriers to diagnostic testing, driving accessibility and efficiency.
• Develop tailored strategies that support and educate on appropriate diagnostic testing practices.
• Align actions with broader business plans and assess the impact of external market trends and regulatory changes on organizational strategies to adapt accordingly.
• Work alongside customers and sales teams in the field to influence customer perceptions and reinforce the value of the brand portfolio.
• Focus on delivering on high-impact opportunities by implementing customer-specific approaches based upon their needs and preferences.
• Demonstrate exceptional awareness of both situational contexts and individual motivations, using this insight to influence stakeholders effectively and drive results.
• Use robust analytical methods to identify issues and opportunities early, integrating new perspectives to refine solutions and strategies.
• Anticipate and eliminate potential obstacles to ensure that teams can focus on delivering impactful results efficiently.
• Lead, coach, and develop Diagnostics Managers, defining clear roles, responsibilities and business objectives, and fostering professional growth and engagement.
• Adhere to compliance standards, including the AZ Code of Conduct, Market Policy Handbook, and other regulatory guidelines, ensuring the highest ethical accountability in all professional activities.

Qualifications and Skills Essential

• Undergraduate degree required (advanced degree preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in diagnostic or pharmaceutical sales
• Proven management experience in field sales
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with market-based and global partners
• Ability to identify strategies with the greatest business impact, formulate appropriate business plans, and lead teams to execute them
• Demonstrated leadership and communication competencies
• Experience in managing budgets
• Thorough understanding of customer segments and market dynamics within the diagnostic area
• Ability to lead, manage, and develop staff
• Previous successful experience in team selling or customer support environments
• Demonstrated presentation and negotiation skills

Desirable

• Proven track record of strategic thinking, judgment, and influencing skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence national internal teams and customers to ensure a strong commercial focus with excellent execution
• Proven experience in developing compelling business cases
• Extensive experience in a launch environment
• Strong leadership attributes to set direction, generate commitment, balance short- and long-term needs, and constructively resolve issues
• Proven ability to demonstrate effective cross-functional leadership
• Advanced Degree PHD,MD or MBA and/or prior experience in multiple commercial functions (e.g., Marketing, Managed Markets, Customer Support, Training)

Key Relationship to Reach Solutions

Internal: Senior management team; Business leaders; Cross functional partners. External: Diagnostic partners; Regulatory bodies.

Date Posted

30-Oct-2026

Closing Date

26-Nov-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 is. 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.