Director, Oncology Business Planning Lead

Currently looking to identify a Director Business Planning to join the Business Planning Operations and Transformation (BPOT) team. They have a pivotal role within the Global Oncology and Hematology Business Unit (OBU) in helping to achieve our bold ambition of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

LOCATION: This position may be located in either Gaithersburg, MD (USA) or Cambridge (United Kingdom), depending on business needs and candidate preference. AstraZeneca follows a hybrid working model, with employees expected to be onsite at least three days per week in their assigned location. Candidates must possess the legal right to work in the relevant country; work visa eligibility and/or sponsorship requirements will be considered in accordance with local regulations.  Remote work is not offered.

In this role, you will lead and contribute to a broad portfolio of high-impact cross-functional initiatives. This role requires confident, strategic thinking, a future-oriented and solution-driven mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders across a highly matrixed organization. 

The Business Planning team have a broad remit which encompasses:  

• Operationalizing the OBU business operating model from Ph3ID through to the launch and maximization of an indication and managing late-stage lifecycle opportunities  
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, simplification and reducing complexity to speed up decision making  
• Evolving the Business Planning operating model and optimising ways of working to ensure robust global to local partnership 
• Partnering with cross functional teams to provide strategic guidance and oversight of enterprise business planning processes, e.g. Tumor Strategy Plans (TSPs) and Brand Strategy Plans (BSPs) 

Typical Accountabilities

• Lead execution of Oncology Business Operating Model from Ph3 Investment Decisions, through market shaping, scenario planning, launch excellence and asset maximisation and late-stage lifecycle management 
• Own delivery of all business planning process; including Tumor Strategy Plans (TSPs), Business Strategy Plans (BSPs) and Business Operational Plans (BOPs) 
• Identify & drive opportunities and embed AI-enabled solutions within business planning processes  
• Lead the annual Indication Prioritisation refresh, partnering with Insights & Analytics to ensure robust analysis and effective communication to global, regional and market teams 
• Build capability development of IBT leadership and members through partnership with L&D 
• Enable and sustain change through proactive stakeholder management, effective communication and cross functional working  
• Partner with function leaders and other key stakeholders to ensure ongoing alignment of priorities & activities 
• Proactively identify obstacles and roadblocks; addressing complex problems and propose pragmatic, value‑adding solutions 
• Drive continuous improvement of current ways of working by simplifying processes, enhancing efficiency, and reducing operational complexityEngage regularly with Global, Regional and Market stakeholders to align execution and accelerate impact 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree  
• 5+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical or related business 
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Global, Regional, or pharmaceutical marketing company Commercial business roles, preference for marketing experience 
• Demonstrated understanding of end-to-end commercialization process (from late-stage clinical development to life cycle management) at both global and in-market levels. 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions and teams in complex environments. 
• Proven experience leading simplification initiatives and driving successful business or organizational change. 
• Proven ability to drive operational effectiveness or efficiency of teams through structured planning or process optimization and operating model enhancements. 
• Ability to anticipate emerging needs, think strategically, design & deliver innovative, high- impactful solutions. 
• Experience building and enabling cross‑functional, team‑based ways of working while establishing credibility and trust across the organization 
• Strong project management experience, including planning, execution, and stakeholder management in a matrix environment 
• Experience in a fast-paced high-growth environment  
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes without direct authority 

Desirable Requirements

• Oncology experience  
• Experience with successful commercial pharma launches  
• Change management experience. 
• Experience in leading teams  
• Experience in delivering AI projects. 

Pay Transparency

The annual base pay for this position could range from $185,693 – $270,000 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered include a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Key Relationship to Reach SolutionsInternal: Brand Director; Brand Planning Manager; Commercial leadership team; Global business unit leaders; Therapeutic Area heads; Market company leadership; Finance and Market Access teams.External: Strategic consulting firms; Industry analysts and benchmarking partners; Healthcare ecosystem stakeholders; Regulatory and policy organizations.

Date Posted

09-Jun-2026

Closing Date

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.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.