Senior Group Director, Clinical Programs, Early Oncology

Senior Group Director, Clinical Programs, Early Oncology

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to lead and inspire a team dedicated to transforming the lives of patients living with cancer? As the Senior Group Director, Clinical Programs, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of oncology research and development. You will be responsible for managing and mentoring a talented group of Directors and Associate Directors, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to excel. Your strategic vision will drive clinical program strategies and operational designs, delivering innovative solutions that push the boundaries of science. Join us in our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.

Accountabilities:

The Senior Group Director will:

• Line manage Director and Associate Director Study Leader and/or Senior Director Clinical Programs, overseeing project allocations, recruitment, personal development, and performance management.
• Serve as Skills Lead for the Director and Associate Director Study Leader roles, ensuring best practices are implemented.
• Contribute to the CPSO Leadership Team for effective departmental operations and resource allocation.
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage key alliances with providers and academic partners.
• Collaborate with the (Senior) Medical Director on clinical program strategy, incorporating innovative delivery approaches.
• Plan, direct, and deliver operational components of clinical programs within budget, time, and quality standards.
• Lead operational discussions with external entities, including regulatory agencies and collaborators.
• Develop risk management plans for timely program delivery.
• Provide strategic input to cross-functional program development plans.
• Coordinate issue escalation and resolution.
• Acquire clinical trial data from internal and external sources.
• Ensure compliance with company-wide governance controls.
• Coordinate selection of external providers for program-specific tasks.
• Manage external provider contracts and operational oversight.
• Engage with preclinical and translational science teams for robust clinical development plans.
• Mentor and inspire individuals within the organization.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline, preferably in medical or biological science.
• At least 10 years global drug development leadership experience with progressive levels of responsibility.
• At least 5 years global drug development experience within clinical function.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the clinical and pharmaceutical drug development process.
• Proven ability to develop programs to meet business goals and assess business risk versus potential value; ability to understand global business requirements.
• Significant experience in program management and use of project management techniques in complex projects, including resourcing and financial management.
• Strong strategic influencing skills; ability to influence broadly within and outside the organization.
• Significant experience and expertise in Clinical Trial methodology with a proven ability to deliver differentiated options based on a sound knowledge of operational delivery.
• Proven ability in problem solving and issues management that is solution-focused.
• Extensive experience in driving operational delivery to timelines, cost, and quality.
• Proven experience of leading delivery through collaboration with internal and external providers.
• Excellent knowledge of ICH-GCP principles.
• Experience in providing clear requirements for external contracts.
• Experience in selection of external providers and development/review of contracts.
• Proven oversight of external providers.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Higher degree e.g. PhD, MSc, MPhil.
• Program management qualification (e.g. MBA, PRINCE2, PMP).
• Experience in variety of academic/CRO/Sponsor organizations and countries.
• Experience across the product life cycle and multiple therapeutic areas.
• Experience of early phase clinical delivery.
• Line management 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. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca is where curiosity meets passion! Our commitment to following the science drives us to make bold moves that transform cancer treatment. With one of the broadest Oncology pipelines in the industry, you'll have the opportunity to work with novel drugs and innovative approaches. Collaborate with top experts globally, embrace diverse perspectives, and be part of a team that challenges norms to make a real difference for patients worldwide.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now and be part of our journey to change the practice of medicine in Oncology!

Date Posted

28-Aug-2025

Closing Date

06-Sept-2025

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.