Operations & Planning Lead

Operations & Planning Lead

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the Global Medical Affairs organization? As the Operations & Planning Lead, you'll be at the heart of strategic decision-making, connecting Global Medical functions, cross-functional teams, and medical teams across markets. This pivotal role involves crafting ambitious Global Medical strategies, ensuring they are prioritized, funded, and executed seamlessly. You'll provide essential guidance to Biopharmaceuticals Leadership, influencing resourcing needs and spending patterns for current and future years. Are you prepared to lead with insight and drive?

Accountabilities:

Strategic Partnership: Collaborate closely with the CVRM VP to shape strategic agendas, set priorities, ensure alignment across initiatives, and track delivery. Provide executive-ready inputs for strategic planning and decision-making.

Holistic Overview and Co-ordination: Maintain a comprehensive view of the CVRM therapy area, addressing current challenges, priorities, and deliverables. Streamline communication to keep team members informed and engaged.

Cross-Functional Integration: Represent Medical Affairs in cross-functional Strategy team meetings, actively contributing to project delivery and advocating for Medical Affairs interests.

Project and Budget Management: Lead and support key projects/initiatives across CVRM. Confidently manage budgets, challenge spending when necessary, and partner seamlessly with Finance for RBU, MTP, and TA Strategy delivery.

Performance Tracking: Design and implement KPIs to measure progress against Medical missions. Conduct regular team reviews to assess and refine strategy execution.

Communication Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies, including townhall planning, leadership decks, and regional touchpoints for cohesive message delivery.

Proactive Leadership: Anticipate future needs and challenges, proactively addressing them to ensure smooth operation and strategic progression. Keep the VP informed of critical updates and needs.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in a strategic or operational role within the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
• Proven track record of successful project management and strategic planning.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and partner liaising.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of synthesizing complex information and providing executive-ready insights.
• Leadership ability with experience in cross-functional team integration and stakeholder management.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Innovative thinker with the ability to question norms and propose structured, strategic solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills with a proactive and anticipatory approach to problem-solving.
• Capacity to act as a "chief of staff," providing comprehensive support and guidance to senior leadership.

Why AstraZeneca?

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

At AstraZeneca, we are at the forefront of shaping the future of healthcare. Our unique position as medical leaders allow us to drive innovation across the product lifecycle—from advising on R&D investment decisions to leading pre-launch scientific efforts. We thrive on collaboration, leveraging our networking skills to facilitate cross-functional working. Here, you can feel the buzz of a fast-paced environment focused on real innovations that make a difference to patients' lives. With opportunities for growth and development without borders, AstraZeneca is where you can make a meaningful impact on both patients' lives and your personal growth.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now to join our thriving BioPharmaceuticals team!

Date Posted

09-Sept-2025

Closing Date

14-Sept-2025

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.