Executive Director, Strategy – Respiratory

Executive Director, Strategy - Respiratory

Do you have a strategic mindset, analytical rigor, and people leadership that enables you to deliver positive outcomes on high-impact and complex strategic topics? Are you looking to demonstrate those skills to help lead the team that shapes our future Biopharmaceuticals strategy and portfolio? 

About AstraZeneca 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise. 

Within Biopharmaceuticals R&D, we are empowered to be bold, take calculated risks and use our intelligence and courage to always follow the science. 

Biopharmaceuticals Strategy, Business Development & Alliances, Competitive Intelligence Team  

Our team is being built to sit at the center of Biopharmaceuticals R&D – driving our R&D strategy and addressing the unmet needs and future focus of AstraZeneca’s Biopharmaceuticals pipeline. We operate both internally and externally, leading collaboration and acquisition opportunities as well as partnering closely with external alliances.  

Responsibilities:  

In this role, you will report to SVP, Biopharmaceuticals R&D Strategy, Business Development & Alliances, Competitive Intelligence and be accountable for the development and delivery of Therapeutic Area Strategy for our Respiratory pipeline, based on our latest priorities.  

What you will do: Deliver end-to-end Respiratory Strategy, including: 

• Clear understanding and prioritization of current and future unmet needs 
• Respiratory strategic vision for both near-term and long-term 
• Integrated clinical strategy across all assets within the same mechanistic area 
• Competitive early pipeline / long-term portfolio 

• Above-asset initiatives (e.g., Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine, Data Sciences) 

How you will operate:

• Lead the Respiratory Council to define priorities and deliverables of Respiratory Strategy 
• Develop clear strategic framework /structure to guide teams through complex strategies 
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop Respiratory strategy content (e.g., GPTs, Clinical Development, Discovery, BD, Lifecycle and Pipeline, Competitive Intelligence)  

• Provide strategic counselling to SVP Strategy and other senior leaders 

Required Qualifications:

• MS/MBA or PhD with proven executive level experience in life sciences or consulting firm with focus in life science programs or experience working in research, and/or with data, analysis and fact-based decision-making
• Experience of working in and knowledge of the therapeutic areas of Respiratory
• A strategic high-level overview of AstraZeneca's portfolio within Respiratory
• Proven experience working within the fields of strategy or competitive intelligence. 
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior executive teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence experienced professionals.
• Ability to think critically, creatively and to anticipate and solve problems.
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, highly-matrixed work environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Effective interpersonal and relationship management skills with consultative approach and ability to interact and build trust
• Operational effectiveness, highly organized process with follow through
• Strong initiative to understand our core business goals and establish processes or programs to set direction, generate alignment and push forward
• Financial background and understanding of forecasts, budgets, financial activities and tools
• Resourceful, motivated, influential and proactive; able to prioritize in a fast-growing organization
• Experience in strategic planning processes and tools
• Scientific background
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical business (including R&D)
• Experience in translating business needs into a coordinated plan from cross-functional senior leadership team
• Ability to develop creative and simple solutions to complex problems
• Knowledge and experience of competitive intelligence work in life sciences

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we 're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

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.

Date Posted

18-Mar-2026

Closing Date

04-Apr-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.