Senior Director, Oncology Business Planning & Operations

Senior Director, Oncology Business Planning & Operations

Cambridge - UK

Introduction to role

If you're inspired by the possibilities of science to change lives and you thrive when making brave decisions -- join us.

As one of the world's world-class biopharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca’s mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure disease.

If you're passionate about the possibilities of science to change lives and you thrive when making brave decisions -- join us. As one of the world's world-class biopharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca’s mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure disease.

About the role

As a Senior Director of Oncology Business Management, you'll play a pivotal role and make a positive impact on our mission to cure cancer. In this role, you will be a part of the Global Portfolio & Project Management organization (GPPM) for Oncology. You will serve as the Business Manager for GPPM Oncology, a 100-person team passionate about project and portfolio management within Oncology. Your role will be pivotal in driving the long-term vision of the GPPM Oncology organization and enabling the delivery of our functional objectives. You will also be responsible for GPPM Onc LT operations, including consolidating Annual Business Cycle deliverables (LTP, MTP), and leading and contributing to high-impact GPPM Oncology initiatives that improve our ways of working and drive efficiency and simplification. In addition, you will play a key role in connecting our team and creating vibrancy across our sites by leading communications and engagement across GPPM Oncology.

Key Accountabilities

• Business Management for GPPM Oncology

• Partner closely with the Head of GPPM Oncology to drive the GPPM Oncology long-term vision, and translate our vision into tangible objectives and actionable plans.

• Lead the timely and sustainable delivery of key Annual Business Cycle deliverables in close partnership with GPPM Oncology LT, such as annual goal setting, Long-Term Planning (LTP), and Mid-Term Planning (MTP) for functional budget and resources, in alignment with business priorities.

• Drive efficient delivery of organizational goals and priorities, continuously optimize our ways of working to drive excellence in operational delivery, and enable a high-performing GPPM Oncology team.

• Lead daily operations of the GPPM Oncology LT: Set and facilitate strategically focused GPPM Oncology LT meeting agendas, effectively coordinate GPPM Oncology LT meetings, and ensure efficient follow-through on agreed actions.

• Own GPPM Oncology operational responsibilities for functional budget and GPPM Oncology CO2 output.

Communications and Engagement

• Lead GPPM Oncology communications and engagement events (e.g., GPPM Oncology group meetings) to drive engagement and enhance connectivity throughout the GPPM Oncology organization, advised by an up-to-date understanding of employee sentiment and areas of opportunity.

• Champion a strong leadership network in GPPM Oncology through active facilitation and management of relevant engagement forums such as the GPPM Oncology Leaders meetings.

• Partner closely with other GPPM BPOs to drive connectivity and vibrancy across the broader GPPM Oncology organization.

Cross Functional Initiative Leadership

• Serve as a central point of contact and lead and/or contribute to a range of initiatives which cross GPPM Oncology functional areas, including but not limited to productivity improvements, process optimizations, and simplifications in our ways of working.

• Serve as liaison for cross-GPPM initiatives which impact our team, such as efforts to enhance talent and development, digital literacy, etc., and drive great place to work in GPPM Oncology.

• Develop close partnership with both GPPM Oncology and other GPPM LT members to ensure close connectivity between GPPM Oncology and organizational priorities.

Entrepreneurship

• Serve as a role model for cross-functional collaboration and effective conflict resolution.

• Lead by example in learning and innovation, seeking opportunities to bring significant changes by challenging the status quo, and remove barriers to

• Effective delivery within and outside the team.

• Use business knowledge to drive cross-project learning, champion and embed better ways of working across the enterprise, and help establish new company best practices.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Advanced degree in a scientific or technical drug development subject or equivalent work experience!

• Experience in Project Management or Business Management with a track record of success in leading cross-functional working groups and teams.

• Broad business perspective and acumen, goal-oriented approach, process orientation, and strategic focus.

• Sophisticated demeanor, bearing, and approach with a proven record to partner and build strong relationships with senior-level executives, effectively lead key collaborators, and drive informed decision-making.

• Team builder adept at engaging with a large team to drive a common purpose, and is a role model for driving high-performing teams by building a culture of trust and positivity while holding team members accountable at the same time.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multiple projects or initiatives concurrently in an agile manner.

• Willingness and consistent track record to function in a hands-on capacity when vital to achieve breakthroughs, resolve issues, and help build an organization capable of driving toward measurable objectives.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience in organizational leadership and budget management.

• Familiarity with product development in Oncology.

• Cross-functional, multi-cultural, and global work experience.

• Strong internal network and track record of success within AstraZeneca.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we spark 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.

Join an ambitious company that's on a mission to do more and be more. Help shape our journey towards becoming a tech-enabled enterprise. Encouraged to look to the future, think strategically, and innovate, we influence progress today. We are introducing new solutions and technology through our investment in automated processes. It's by driving greater consistency and efficiency that we will help accelerate our next chapter of growth.

Apply now to make an impact!

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.