Oncology Forecasting Specialist

Astrazeneca India Private Limited; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Bengaluru seeks a Specialist - Forecasting Oncology GCL to translate complex oncology data into actionable forecasts guiding strategy and patient outcomes. You will own short-, mid-, and long-term models, integrating TRx/NBRx signals, claims data, and epidemiology, collaborating with US Oncology teams in a hybrid 2 PM–11 PM IST shift.

Based in Manyata Tech Park, you will engage with Marketing, Sales, Finance and Analytics, defending methodologies before senior leadership and

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of direct pharmaceutical forecasting experience.
• Deep knowledge of forecasting techniques and models.
• Strong understanding of Oncology patient pathways.
• Experience with US reimbursement and US Oncology forecasting.
• Experience integrating market research and secondary data into forecasts.
• Proficiency with IQVIA/MIDAS, DDD NPA, Xponent and claims data.
• Experience with TRx/NBRx data for US forecasting.
• Excellent Excel, financial modelling and forecasting skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Deliver robust demand forecasts for brands and therapy areas.
• Build short- and long-term models using patient flow.
• Align forecasts with Marketing, Sales, Market Access, Finance.
• Present forecast approaches to senior leadership.
• Lead S&OP and scenario planning activities.

Skills

Forecasting techniques

Excel

Financial modelling

Stakeholder collaboration

Problem solving

Communication skills

US market understanding

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in relevant field

Advanced degree (PhD/MBA/Master's)

Tools

Power BI

IQVIA MIDAS

Marketscan

TRx/NBRx datasets

Job description

Specialist - Forecasting Oncology GCL - D2

Introduction to role: Are you ready to turn complex Oncology data into clear, decision-shaping forecasts that guide strategy and improve patient outcomes? As a Specialist in Forecasting for US Oncology, you will partner with the US Oncology Forecast Leader and Commercial teams. Together, you will develop transparent, trusted forecasts to guide investment, access, and prioritisation for key product lines. In this role, you'll own short-, mid-, and long-term forecast models. They integrate patient flow dynamics, market research insights, and supplementary information to compose a coherent outlook. You will set expectations for performance, surface pivotal risks and opportunities, and influence brand strategy by defending your methodologies with difficulty and clarity. How will you translate TRx/NBRx signals, claims data, and epidemiology into a compelling narrative leaders can act on!

Based in Manyata Tech Park, Bangalore, this position operates on a 2 PM – 11 PM IST shift in a hybrid model, enabling real-time collaboration with US collaborators while providing the space to deliver high-quality analytical work.

Accountabilities

• Forecast Development and Stewardship: Deliver robust, open demand forecasts for strategic brands and therapy areas, clearly documenting assumptions and confidence levels to inform high-stakes decisions.
• Patient Flow Modeling: Build and maintain product-specific short-term and long-term models using patient-based and patient flow approaches to reflect real-world treatment dynamics.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Align forecast assumptions and analytical assessments with Marketing, Sales, Market Access and Pricing, Finance, and Sales Operations to drive shared understanding and accountability.
• Executive Engagement: Present and defend forecast approaches, methodologies, assumptions, and outputs to senior leadership, guiding clear choices on risks, opportunities, and prioritisation.
• Scenario Planning and Risk Management: Apply industry-leading modeling techniques and sensitivity analyses across key variables to quantify uncertainties and shape contingency plans.
• Performance Analytics: Provide in-depth analysis of drivers behind brand performance; support quarterly business reviews, sales bridges, business planning, and ad hoc requests for Finance and leadership.
• Market Intelligence: Supervise the competitive landscape, policy shifts, and broader Oncology trends to keep models current and assumptions grounded in market realities.
• New Product Introduction: Develop short- and long-term volume forecasts for new launches to support strategic and operational planning through realistic, data-backed trajectories.
• Process Leadership: Lead assigned forecasting and business planning processes and workstreams; codify standard methodologies and help define and evolve forecasting processes and capabilities.
• Data Integration and Tooling: Proactively leverage multiple data sources and tools to ensure objectivity and completeness of inputs across the portfolio.
• S&OP Integration: Participate in monthly S&OP, submit volumes, and build weekly, monthly, and yearly models and conversions that synchronize operational planning with demand signals.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion innovation in methodologies, automation, and analytics to enhance forecast value, reflect uncertainty, and scale capabilities across brands.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in relevant field
• Experience: 10 to 15 years of direct Pharmaceutical forecasting experience with an in-depth knowledge of forecasting techniques, models and approaches
• In-depth understanding of Oncology and how patients move through their respective diagnosis and treatment pathways, including treatment dynamics
• Good grasp of US reimbursement scenario and US Oncology Forecasting in general
• Experience integrating insights from market research and secondary data analysis into forecast assumptions
• Experience applying various data sources and analytics involving standard data in the Pharmaceutical industry – e.g. IQVIA (MIDAS, DDD NPA, Monthly Xponent), claims data (Truven, Marketscan), epidemiological data, etc.
• For US forecasting, experience with TRx / NBRx / NRx data and methodologies
• Strong analytical expertise; excellent Excel, financial modelling and forecasting skills
• Project management experience including risk mitigation, planning and running multiple projects running in parallel
• Ability to build positive relationships across a range of partner groups including Marketing, Analytics, Operations, and Technology
• Validated experience in problem solving and continuous improvement
• Strong written and verbal communication

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred (e.g., PhD, MBA, Masters)
• Knowledge and experience in sophisticated statistical forecast methodologies and applied AI / ML / automation
• Experience working with Power Apps, specifically PowerBI
• Proven understanding of US Market Access, Oncology landscape and gross-to-net etc.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite 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 outstanding and bold world. Why AstraZeneca: Here, your forecasting craft sits at the heart of decisions that accelerate science to patients. You will collaborate shoulder-to-shoulder with scientists, commercial leaders, and data authorities, using sophisticated analytics and digital tools to tackle significant problems and develop the future of Oncology. We bring unexpected teams together to fuel aggressive thinking, value perseverance alongside ambition, and give people the trust and autonomy to turn ideas into measurable impact. With a culture that prizes learning, multifaceted perspectives, and real accountability, you will grow your influence, expand your toolkit, and see the direct results of your work in how we invest, launch, and scale life-changing medicines.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.

Experience Level Mid Level