Director, Strategic Projects and Organisational Enablement Clinical Development Hematology, R&D

Summary of Group:

The Hematology Research and Early Development (R&D) team has the accountability for all drug development activities in hematology research from first in man studies, all the way to late-stage trials leading to drug approval by regulatory agencies (Phase 1, 2 and 3 trials). The team strives to deliver compelling preclinical, clinical and translational data packages providing confidence in the dosing strategy, tolerability profile and therapeutic efficacy of our candidate drugs to support investment in late-stage clinical development, leading to drug approval. 

Summary of Role: 

The Director, Strategic Projects & Organizational Enablement drives execution of strategic priorities across Clinical Development by leading cross-functional initiatives, enhancing operational performance, and ensuring alignment with Haematology goals. The role integrates planning, performance management, and financial oversight while enabling collaboration, innovation, and effective delivery across global teams.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Coordinate business improvement projects across Clinical Development, ensuring projects align with business needs and progress according to established breakthroughs. Implement new operational initiatives that improve business performance and continuity in the sophisticated, fast-moving Haematology environment. Support Clinical Development leaders to drive performance on the deliverables of the function in alignment with global Haematology goals 

• Work cross-functionally to highlight opportunities for innovation and operational excellence in support of Clinical Development function, proactively engaging with partners.  

• Coordinate priority initiatives and cross-portfolio activities across multiple teams and regions, maintaining alignment within and beyond sub-departments, and encouraging performance, collaboration and accountability. 

• Support senior leadership teams by helping with planning, defining objectives, and reviewing performance. You will ensure that the aims of the Clinical Development function are consistent with the broader Haematology vision and goals.   

• Track progress of goals and deliverables; you will report quarterly breakthroughs up to the Haem scorecard. 

• Lead communications with KEEs and setting up one-time or long-term contracts with external authorities for consultations 

• Coordinate with Global Clinical Heads on External Science Panels/Advisory Boards to receive external authority advice on clinical trial design proposals, including coordination with key external authorities, contracting, content creating, meeting logistics and takeaways 

• Coordinate annual planning cycles and ensure measurable metrics and success criteria are defined for all initiatives. Build and maintain relationships across functions to ensure the deliverables align with broader organizational priorities. 

• Lead business and financial planning activities for Clinical Development in partnership with Finance (e.g., long-term and medium-term planning) and contribute to Haematology-level planning in collaboration with the Head of Business Planning and Operations for CMO. 

• Work with leadership teams to set, lead, and communicate strategic priorities and goals (activities and budget), in close collaboration with portfolio, project and strategy teams, demonstrating reporting and analytics tools to communicate results. 

• Oversee the travel budget and carbon allocation for Clinical Development  

• Support preparation for critical internal and external meetings and presentations in partnership with Communications   

• Oversee the Clinical Development budget forecasting, resource planning in collaboration with Portfolio & Capacity, Finance and the Head of Business Planning and Operations for Haematology.  

• Support talent development, retention, and succession planning initiatives, including supporting open head count requests and leading the succession planning for the Clinical Development LT. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in relevant discipline 

• 10+ years industry experience with 3+ years focus on project management or operations management 

• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical development or biotech 

• Consistent track record of supporting leadership teams or cross-functional teams 

• Strong ability to influence across organizational levels and functions 

• Demonstrated success in driving critical initiatives and business improvements 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior management and external partners 

• Consistent record to lead through change and in a fast-paced environment 

• Strong attention to detail and quality standards 

• Experience supporting organizational change or business transformation initiatives 

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 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 unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $147,507 to $221,261. 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 included 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, employee 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.

AstraZeneca is where science meets innovation to create impactful solutions! We challenge the status quo by leveraging data to drive scientific breakthroughs that make a tangible difference in patients' lives. Our collaborative environment fosters learning and growth, empowering you to contribute to meaningful research across global Therapy Areas. With countless opportunities for development, AstraZeneca is committed to investing in technology and expanding knowledge to maximize impact.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team and be part of something extraordinary!

Date Posted

20-May-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.