Senior Director, Global Product Lead, Early Oncology R&D

Title: Senior Director, Global Product Lead, Early Oncology R&D 

Location: Cambridge, UK

Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits

As Senior Director and Global Product Lead, this role holds end-to-end leadership for multiple early global product teams spanning IO, ADC and Cell Therapy platforms, from candidate selection through Phase III investment decision. Acting as the “CEO” of each asset, this position shapes and drives the strategy,executionand differentiation of a portfolio of oncology candidates. The remit includes critically assessing science, clinicaldataand the competitive landscape, then translating insights into clear development strategies that align with the broader oncology vision. This position engages diverse stakeholders, communicates complex plans with clarity, and steers teams through key decision points that influence the future of cancer treatment.

Ready to lead assets that could redefine standards of care? 

Accountabilities 

• End-to-end product leadership: Lead global product teams from preclinical candidate selection through proof of concept and Phase III investment decisions, with potential extension into late-stage development and registration.

• Single point of accountability: Own strategy, budget, timelines, and execution across a portfolio of preclinical and clinical-stage oncology assets.

• Differentiated development plans: Develop and own integrated product strategies that align with business objectives and clearly differentiate assets versus competitors.

• Governance excellence: Present and defend strategies at governance forums to secure funding, endorsement, and alignment on critical milestones.

• Data-driven agility: Continuously monitor scientific and clinical signals, anticipate inflection points, and pivot program strategies to maximize value and patient impact.

• Proactive risk management: Identify, mitigate, and communicate risks across global teams to enable transparent, timely decision-making.

• Influence without authority: Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment by coaching cross-functional colleagues and strengthening team cohesion.

• External engagement: Build trusted relationships with investigators and partners to ensure programs reflect evolving practice patterns, unmet needs, and real-world patient perspectives.

• Scientific rigor and ethics: Champion patient-centric thinking, data integrity, and ethical standards in every aspect of development.

EssentialQualifications,Skills&Experience 

• Advanced degree: PhD or MD/PhD required.

• Proven drug development success: Clear record of moving assets through key development stages.

• Industry experience: Early-phase non-clinical and/or clinical development experience with regulatory awareness.

• Oncology depth: Strong knowledge of the oncology therapeutic area with experience acrossdiverse biological modalities(e.g., small molecules, biologics, ADCs, cell/gene therapies).

• Clinical landscape fluency: Broad understanding of evolving standards of care, trial design trends, and competitive dynamics.

• Leadership in matrixed settings: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and align cross-functional teams.

• Collaboration track record: Proven success cultivating and managing internal and external partnerships.

• Influence and communication: Demonstrated ability to influence peers and senior leaders across functions.

• Integrity: Uncompromising commitment to ethical conduct and patient-first decision-making.

Desirable Skills/Experience 

• Experience in the development of small molecules is highly desirable. 

• Due diligence experience as GPLs are oftenrequired toparticipatein companywide initiatives. 

AstraZeneca offers an environment where scientific ambition is matched by real-world impact, uniting experts from academia and industry to push the boundaries of oncology research. Work alongside diverse leaders and collaborators across the globe,leveragingextensive external partnerships andcutting-edgeplatforms to accelerate progress against some of the hardest-to-treat cancers, while building a meaningful long-term career shaped by curiosity,courageand collaboration. 

If this opportunity to lead transformative oncology assets resonates, apply now to shape the next generation of cancer therapies!