Executive Director, Head of Strategy & Business Transformation

Typical Accountabilities:
• Responsible for providing specialist Business Strategy and Portfolio expertise through global process management of the Business Strategy and Portfolio function

• Inputs significantly to the regional Business Strategy and Portfolio strategy

• Leads, guides, evaluates and develops the team within own area of Business Strategy and Portfolio to ensure that the area achieves its objectives and complies with all relevant regulations and laws

• Performance manages senior managers or identifies development opportunities of direct reports, together with planning effectively for succession

• Leads or oversees a diverse range of initiatives to improve quality, compliance, cost or time and where appropriate lead the development of new methodology or processes to provide business benefit

Typical People Management Responsibility (direct / indirect reports):
• Approximate number of people managed in total (all levels) - 50+
• Grandfather (manager of a manager)

What is the global remit? (how many countries will the role operate in?):
• 4 or more countries at a minimum of 40% of time

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in an appropriate discipline

• Professional qualification; Ability to lead cross functional working groups and teams; Proven leadership ability promoting, motivating and empowering others to accomplish individual, team and organizational objectives

• Significant understanding of strategy formulation and evaluation and the management of a vast portfolios within a clinical or pharmaceutical environment

• Experience of leading a development team and working in a global environment

• Conceptual, analytical and strategic thinking; Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully, to obtain desired outcomes while maintaining effective, positive, organizational relationships

Desirable:

• PhD in scientific discipline

• Expert reputation within the business and industry

• Extensive knowledge of the latest technical and regulatory expectations; Operational expertise in risk management and contingency planning

• Familiarity with the latest research and thinking

• Effective problem and conflict resolution skills and proven team focus; Excellent knowledge of AstraZeneca policies, procedures and guidelines

Key Relationship to reach solutions:
• Internal (to AZ or team): Business Strategy and Portfolio Senior Management within AstraZeneca; Project, Change, Business Improvement and Strategy Management leadership team; Regulatory; Global and regional Business Strategy and Portfolio sites; Global Quality; Supply Chain

• External (to AZ): External professional and regulatory organizations

Date Posted

16-Oct-2025

Closing Date

25-Jan-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.