The Executive Director, Global Projects Leader - Strategic Regimens (Lung)

The Executive Director, Global Projects Leader (GPL) - Strategic Regimens (Lung) will have overall leadership and accountability of multiple, global cross-functional early project teams delivering platform studies with embedded translational medicine research to establish proof-of-concept data enabling Phase III investment strategies. Each team will aim to prioritize and evaluate rational combination regimens across major AZ research platforms and treatment modalities and with the potential for external partnering. This individual will be accountable for the strategic leadership and execution for candidate combination regimens, aligning prioritization across early- and late-stage research units to advance the Lung Cancer pipeline. You will have oncology clinical drug development experience, demonstrated leadership, and be able to critically evaluate the science, clinical data and competitive landscape that underlies each program. You will be able to effectively communicate across a broad range of audiences and have an ability to clearly articulate project-specific strategies and deliverables as it relates to the overall AZ and Early Oncology vision.

• Leads global matrix teams that develop and execute Ph2 platform studies evaluating combination regimens through proof of concept leading to Phase III investment
• Responsible for ongoing linkage between early- and late-stage Oncology R&D teams to develop novel regimens with transformational potential and to maximize value of each asset
• Holds accountability for the strategy, budget, timeline and execution of platform studies and Ph3 supporting data generation  
• Ensures platform studies support life cycle management strategies and integrated product development plans of AZ’s emerging portfolio
• Leads and communicates the project development strategy at governance meetings to gain endorsement and to secure funding
• Leads the global project team to effectively communicate and manage risk; responsible for monitoring emerging data and for adjusting strategy when necessary
• Responsible for maintaining a high degree of team effectiveness through collaboration, influence, and, as necessary, coaching and mentoring of cross-functional team members
• Maintains relationships with external investigators to ensure projects are consistent with evolving clinical care and experimental approaches

Essential

• Graduate degree such as MD/PhD 10yrs or more
• Industry experience in drug development including experience in early phase clinical drug development and regulatory knowledge
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the Oncology therapeutic area with experience in diverse biological modalities
• Understanding of the evolving clinical landscape in oncology, with a focus in lung cancer
• Demonstrated experience leading and motivating teams in a highly matrixed environment
• Proven record of cultivating and managing internal and external cross-functional collaborations
• Demonstrated success in influencing colleagues and senior leaders in various departments
• Must demonstrate high integrity

Desirable

• Experience in development of both small molecules and biologics, including ADCs and/or IO (Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors)
• Experience in the development of platform studies
• Experience developing data and justification leading to successful Ph3 investment decisions
• Experience in due diligence (e.g. asset evaluation, assessment of new biomarker and diagnostic tools)
• Demonstrated experience leading and motivating teams in a highly matrixed environment
• Proven record of cultivating and managing internal and external cross-functional collaborations
• Demonstrated success in influencing colleagues and senior leaders in various departments
• Must demonstrate high integrity

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.