Regional Health Systems Specialist, Oncology (Western Canada)

**This role is based out of Western Canada, specifically British Columbia and/or Alberta**

At AstraZeneca, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to reshape the Canadian healthcare landscape. Our Oncology Business Unit (OBU) Health Systems Strategy function in Canada is dedicated to redefining oncology care pathways on a large scale, aligning with Canadian health priorities and AstraZeneca’s 2030 Transforming Care ambition. We focus on removing structural barriers to equitable access, precision diagnostics, and efficient outcomes for cancer patients. By integrating Medical, Diagnostics, Patient Affairs, Market Access and Pricing, Health Systems Evidence, Digital/IT, Government/Public Affairs, and Commercial (non-promotional), we strive to deliver system-level outcomes through standards, partnerships, governance, and rapid-cycle learning.

As a Regional Health Systems Specialist in Oncology, you will be at the forefront of transforming oncology health systems, focusing on improving patient outcomes and removing systemic barriers. Your role involves executing the OBU Health Systems Strategy in collaboration with key regional partners such as provincial authorities, cancer agencies, and healthcare institutions. You will cultivate strong relationships with external stakeholders, aligning their priorities with AstraZeneca’s Oncology Transforming Care goals. This field-based position requires determination, proactive engagement, and a deep understanding of Canadian oncology care pathways. Your expertise will drive impactful solution design and execution, fostering sustainable and equitable care.

Accountabilities

Strategic Alignment & Systems Strategy Execution

• Execute the OBU Systems Strategy regionally, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market dynamics.

• Map end-to-end patient journeys with clinical teams to identify bottlenecks and define problem statements.

• Build business cases and recommend trade-offs to balance impact and feasibility.

External Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify and map regional decision-makers to guide engagement strategies.

• Position AstraZeneca as a collaborative partner to co-design solutions aligned with shared priorities.

• Formulate strategic account plans incorporating stakeholder insights and shared objectives.

Internal Collaboration, Orchestration & Governance

• Collaborate with OBU and BBU Health Solutions teams to achieve breakthroughs and leverage shared expertise.

• Lead integrated planning across functions to ensure alignment and accountability.

• Prepare and manage due diligence and contractualization stages, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Partnership Driven Solution Development & Sustainable Design

• Co-create evidence-based solutions by working alongside external collaborators to improve patient outcomes.

• Build partnerships that generate proof of concept and leverage for scaling across institutions.

• Remove systemic barriers to adoption through governance establishment and readiness criteria.

Portfolio Management, Trend Analysis & Strategic Alignment

• Maintain a structured overview of care pathway initiatives and align the portfolio with franchise strategies.

• Analyze innovations in care pathways and digital technologies to advise strategic exercises.

• Identify initiatives suitable for scale-up and standard processes to replicate.

Performance, KPIs & Improvement

• Define program benchmarks and build dashboards to supervise outcomes across pathway metrics.

• Monitor performance, close gaps, and raise systemic issues with mitigation plans.

• Demonstrate determination in achieving goals and consistently delivering to critical metrics.

Risk Assessment & Compliance

• Maintain and update risk registers; evaluate risks across operations and partnerships.

• Ensure all activities are non-promotional and fully aligned with legal frameworks.

Essential Skills/Experience

Education

• Required: Scientific training and/or Master’s degree or equivalent experience in public health, health administration, health economics or business administration.

• Preferred: Background in oncology, healthcare pathways and transformation, or digital health; familiarity with design thinking and journey mapping.

Experience

• Senior externally facing pharmaceutical experience: Minimum of 10 years in externally facing roles with proven engagement and partnership with regional decision-makers, hospital C-Suite and association leadership as well as healthcare researchers, leaders and administrators.

• Healthcare operations & implementation: Minimum of 7 years leading pathway mapping and redesign and cross-functional project management; demonstrated success in translating strategy into operational plans and delivering measurable improvements.

• Health systems expertise: Ability to thrive in sophisticated, ambiguous systems; customer mapping and deep knowledge of health networks; experience leading portfolios and scaling pilots into programs.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Critical thinking: Enterprise-level strategy execution; aligning initiatives to organizational objectives; building robust business cases.

• Oncology pathway expertise: Knowledge of Canadian oncology care routes, guideline adoption, screening programs, precision medicine access.

• Project leadership: Scoping, governance, performance targets, risk management; proficiency in collective intelligence methods.

• Facilitation & co-design: Strong facilitation skills; ability to lead workshops and co-design practical solutions.

• Stakeholder management: Effective communication and negotiation; ability to engage interested parties at all levels.

• Evidence generation: Identification of opportunities for real-world evidence research; partnering with experts to deliver insights.

• Digital healthcare & AI: Ability to define a vision for digital health solutions; coordinating scalable implementations.

• Compliance & contracting: Knowledge of industry codes; ability to ensure non-promotional engagements.

• Performance mindset: Proven history of achieving ambitious goals; resilience in navigating complexity.

AstraZeneca is a dynamic environment where innovation thrives. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of those living with cancer by bringing transformative medicines to market. Our culture encourages everyone to bring their true selves to work, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where diverse teams collaborate to advance societal change. With a focus on commercial excellence, we empower our employees to take smart risks, challenge norms, and drive progress in the fast-paced world of Oncology.

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 12 years

• Top 100 Employers Award

• Canada’s Most Admired Workplace Culture

• Learn more about working with us in Canada

• View our YouTube channel

Join us in shaping the future of Oncology care—apply today!

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Annual base salary for this position ranges from 136,829.60 to 179,588.85.

AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs.  In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances.

In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (if applicable to role).  Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program.

We are using AI as part of the recruitment process.

This advertisement relates to a current vacancy.

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.