Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentives & bonuses

Equity-based awards

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

AstraZeneca in the United Kingdom is seeking an Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D to own the global Oncology R&D portfolio strategy and align clinical, scientific, and commercial priorities. You will influence senior leadership with evidence-based recommendations and partner across discovery, development and commercial functions to drive investment decisions and patient impact.

The role requires deep oncology knowledge, executive presence, and a track record in strategic planning within

Qualifications

• BA/BS with 10 years of life science program/consulting/equity research focus, or MS/MBA with 8+ years, or PhD/MD with 5+ years.
• Oncology strategy experience and track record in strategic planning and portfolio decisions.
• Executive presence and ability to influence senior teams in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Strategic thinking with capability to translate needs into coordinated plans and solutions.

Responsibilities

• Own the Oncology R&D portfolio strategy and set priorities across assets and platforms.
• Advise senior leadership with disciplined, insight-driven recommendations.
• Drive actionable decisions through robust evidence, metrics, and clear cases.
• Partner across clinical development, discovery, business development, and other functions.
• Demonstrate analytical depth to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-impact strategic objectives.
• Communicate strategy and progress clearly to diverse audiences inside and outside the organization.
• Navigate complex landscapes including trial design, regulatory dynamics, and pricing.

Skills

Executive presence

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Education

Education & Experience

Job description

What if your next role helpedeliminatecancer as a cause of death?

At AstraZeneca, our Oncology ambition is unparalleled.We’vebuilt and strategicallyacquiredone of the most promising pipelines in the industry, driven by a bold vision to push the boundaries of science, change the practice of medicine, andultimatelyeliminatecancer 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 tocurecancer 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 insightsto shape portfolio choices and clarify sophisticated investment priorities across assets and platforms.

Asan 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 scientificexpertiseand strategic analysis to influence high‑stakes decisions with direct patient impact. Working at the highest level, you will ensure our choicesoptimizereturn on investment and patient outcomes by presenting clear options, tradeoffs, and recommendations tied to value and risk.

To be successful, you will need:

• Clear and organized thinking with ability to simplify and prioritize complex problems
• The application ofstrong, data-driven analysis to move beyond high-level views
• Deep scientific acumen to navigate complex data and insights
• The ability toestablishand maintain credibility with senior audiences
• Proven track record toanticipateand shapethe oncology market and key trends with emerging science

Accountabilities:

• OwntheOncologyR&D portfolio strategy : Lead the creation of comprehensive therapeutic area strategies that integrate clinical, scientific, and commercial insights to shapestrategicpriorities across assets and platforms.
• Adviseexecutive senior leadership : Provide disciplined, insight driven recommendations on complex strategic topics toseniorstakeholders, delivering clear and actionable guidance on portfolio optimization and investment decisions.
• Drivemeaningfulaction : Build credibility throughexpertise, relationships, and trust to persuade and align others without formal authority,leadingusing robust evidence, metrics,andclear casesto 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.
• Analyticaldepth and rigor : Set the standards ofstrong analytical skills to break down complex problems,ensuring decisions, vision, and strategy are firmly grounded in evidence.
• Analyze and generate strategic insights :Leadmeticulous analysis of internal and external data toidentifytrends, risks, and opportunities for portfoliogrowth and optimization, translating findings into actionable strategic recommendations.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration :Build and leada culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across all stakeholder groups, partnering with internal and external collaborators to deliver on high-impact strategicobjectives.
• Dive effective communication : Ensure clear and compelling communication of strategy, progress, and priorities to diverse audiences, both internal and external,maintainingtransparency 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,establishingbest practices andmaintainingthorough standards for analysis, decision-making, and execution.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Education and experience : BA/BS and 10 years of experiencewithfocus in life science programs, consulting,equity researchOR MS/MBA and 8+ years of experience OR PhD or MD and 5+ years of experience
• Oncologyexpertise : Deep understanding of Oncology Therapeutic Area Strategy which may include a specific disease area and/or platform technologies, with proven experiencecontributing to strategic planning and portfolio decisions
• Executive presence and leadership : Ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior executive teams, withdemonstratedability to lead and influence experienced professionals in a fast-paced, highly matrixed work environment
• Strategicand impact oriented :Demonstratescritical and creative thinking,anticipatesand 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 withdemonstratedability toconduct rigorous financial and strategic analyses to inform investment and portfolio decisionsis strongly preferred
• Strategic planningexpertise : 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 prioritizationin 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 atpaceand challenge perceptions.That’swhy we work, on average, a minimum of **three days per week** from the office. But thatdoesn’tmeanwe’renot flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

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 coveragein accordance withthe terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

02-Sep-2026

Closing Date

29-Sep-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.