Vice President, Respiratory and Immunology Business Unit

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.

As the Vice President (VP), Respiratory and Immunology (R&I) Business Unit (BU) for Canada, you will report directly to the Country President for Canada, be an integral part of the Canadian Executive Team and be an influential member of Global R&I teams. In this role, you will be responsible for direct management of employees in sales, marketing and continuing health education along with dotted line responsibility for all other critical cross-functional teams. The VP will be an active partner in shaping the relevant Patient Access & Value strategy as well as a leadership role building positive relationships and alliances with external partners.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join AstraZeneca as the Vice President of R&I as we continue to deliver relevant and ground-breaking in-market medicines to Canadian Respiratory Patients while at the same time building one of the most robust Respiratory and Immunology pipelines in the industry.

This role will lead strategic projects within the R&I therapeutic area which will shape access to medicines, requiring deep strategic vision as well as enterprise leadership and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Play a key role on the Canadian Executive Team for Canada in shaping governance, strategy, culture and the acceleration of talent across the enterprise - and in your own function
• Provide end-to-end functional leadership and full P&L accountability for the BU, notably Symbicort, Fasenra, Tezspire, Breztri, Saphnelo and the pipeline assets in these disease areas
• Ensure strategic direction for the R&I BU is in alignment with the wider enterprise and global strategy
• Ensure AstraZeneca continues to be recognized as a leader in R&I for healthcare professionals and all relevant institutional decision makers and influencers
• Define and implement pipeline launch readiness; capitalize on strong foundation, drive scientific leadership and patient centricity and strong alliance partnerships where required.
• Prepare the business and cross-functional organization to launch differentiated Brand Strategy Plans for future molecules and indications
• Provide clear direction, coaching and development opportunities for all members of the R&I BU, with a focus on building robust talent succession plans for key roles in the BU and across the enterprise. 
• The leader will have direct oversight of approximately 200 FTE across Primary Care Sales, Specialty Sales and Specialty & Primary Care marketing.
• Build a culture of inclusion and collaboration, from HQ to field – empowering an engaged and high-performing atmosphere where employees are supported to reach their full potential, in the delivery of AZ’s purpose. 
• A role model and ambassador of AZ values – internally & externally
• Monitor information on developments in the external environment, and analyze AZ’s product performance and continued competitiveness including market share development etc.
• Ensure all activities related to work and Business Unit follow applicable internal and external regulations (policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and Code of Conduct)
• Collect and report Adverse Events in accordance with AstraZeneca policies and SOPs.

Qualifications and experience:

• University degree
• 15+ years pharmaceutical industry experience, with a strong Sales, Marketing, Medical, and/or Market Access background
• 8+ years’ experience within Respiratory and Immunology therapeutic area experience for both primary care and specialty medicines is an asset
• Deep understanding and experience in leading a business or function/team, in a large therapeutic area & country; international experience is an asset
• Has demonstrated track record of impact in senior-level enterprise roles, passionate about building and delivering a strategic vision and inspired by the growth and development of diverse, high-performing teams.

Summary:

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

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years
• Top 100 Employers Award
• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture
• Learn more about working with us in Canada
• View our YouTube channel

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

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.