Global Product Lead - Vaccines

Location: Gaithersburg, Kendal Square

Hybrid: 3 days a week on site

Are you ready to lead a transformative journey in the world of Infectious Disease? At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to protecting and empowering populations globally through innovative science in the ID space.

The Global Product Lead (GPL) will be accountable for the further ongoing development of strategy for infectious disease assets with focus on transitioning from the early to late development phase to commercial and in life-cycle management. Leveraging broad experience of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, they will provide strategic leadership to the cross-functional Global Product Team (GPT) to deliver successful global product strategy aligned to the global brand strategy through the brand’s life cycle management (LCM). They will also ensure that functional expertise is brought to bear on the Global Product Team (GPT) discussions. They will lead the cross-functional execution of the approved development strategy, once approved, Lead global transformation programs on-time and on-budget, and in adherence with quality and compliance standards. The individual will shape high level risk program visions, ensuring that business requirements are effectively translated into solutions, and that program benefits are communicated. The role is accountable for program budgets and leads teams which support the delivery of programs, often leading supplier contracts, and ensures program transitions to business-as-usual services.

Duties & Responsibilities

Development & delivery of product/indication strategy

• Defining and driving strategic and scientific value creation including development, approval, growth, and maturity, integrating diverse internal and external perspectives
• Partnering with commercial teams to generate, evaluate and deliver strategies to increase value
• Development and maintenance of product development plans
• Development and delivery of the product Target Product Profiles (TPP) and Target Product Claims (TPC)
• Continued new value generation including strategic focus upon key identified markets.
• Operational execution of governance-approved cases on time, while meeting costs and quality standards.
• Effective and visible risk, opportunity and issue management
• Driving innovative and novel ways to accelerate development & maximize value for patients.
• Engaging and collaborating with key external authorities. Establishing and championing effective networks.
• Delivery of product information to support internal and external business portfolio reporting
• Partnering with Investor Relations to develop and actively lead external messages for the analyst community for financial results

Building and effectively leading successful cross-functional teams.

• Strong, creative and transparent leadership of a global, impactful, efficient cross functional team of global leaders responsible for the delivery of the indication/product.
• Establishing and driving an effective GPT to drive timely and effective decision making and delivery of agreed objectives, including the use of agile sub-teams
• Taking an active role in developing cross functional talent capable of taking on global roles

Ensuring accurate Governance and Compliance, protecting AZ´s Rights, Data and Intellectual Property

• Development and execution of publication and publicity strategy for the product
• Approving information on the product (including publications, regulatory documents, clinical trial registers etc)
• Handling and protecting the Intellectual Property (IP) assets of the products in consultation with IP and legal authorities

Partnership & alliance management

• Driving and supporting partnerships, cultivating productive working relationships.

Essential for the Role

• MD, PhD, or PharmD in a related science based field
• 10 + years of clinical/academic experience
• Broad experience of vaccine development and infectious disease expertise
• Expertise & experience in some areas of the drug development process, coupled with the appropriate regulatory and commercial insights.
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical information into business language and in alignment with AZ business
• Consistent track record in delivering high risk programme/projects and decision making
• Strong skills and experience of handling and controlling large budgets
• Ability to convince and lead negotiations
• Easily translate scientific concept and relate them to the brand
• Strong vision and excellent problem-solving skills, hardworking, and have the aim to succeed.
• Ambitious in the style of working and have the energy level to build and lead a group of motivated individuals
• Ability to communicate and influence at high levels with both internal and external partners.
• ability to learn new information rapidly and effectively

Desirable for the Role

• MBA
• An appreciation of the political, economic, social and technological challenges facing the Life Sciences industry today.
• Experience in more than one business area
• Cross functional team leadership experience

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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $216,800.00 - 325,200.00 USD Annual 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. 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.

Join us and be at the forefront of evidence generation, nurturing talent and bringing the value of medical evidence and epidemiology to the forefront. If you’re innovative, strategic, and ready to make a global impact, we want to hear from you!

Apply now!

#LiHybrid

Date Posted

02-Oct-2026

Closing Date

15-Oct-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.

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.