Cell Therapy Business Planning and Operations (BPO)

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. AstraZeneca has a multifaceted environment that cultivates collaboration and innovation to achieve our goals. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build talent. 

Within the AstraZeneca Cell Therapy Unit (CTU), our ambition is to realize the full potential of cell therapy for people living with cancer, immune-mediated and rare diseases around the world. This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late-stage development and commercialization. We are rapidly progressing a broad pipeline of cell therapies in collaboration with AstraZeneca’s Therapeutic Area Units. 

This position reports to the COO Leader of Cell Therapy and be accountable for the development and administration for effective functioning of the Cell Therapy Leadership Team and the Cell Therapy Unit Subfunctions. Overall, you will be responsible for direct support for strategic and high priority initiatives, driving operational excellence, owning process improvements, optimizing strategic planning, and building strong partnerships internally and externally. This role is will:

Work closely with the CT VP’s of subfunctional groups to provide operational support to enhance goal clarity, engagement, and organizational efficiency, ensuring alignment of activities and key messages between Leadership Team members, colleagues and external leaders.

• Organize and drive various Leadership Team Meetings (virtual and face-to-face) including objective setting, agenda, logistics, meeting management, and documenting outcomes and action items.
• Partner with the Communications Lead to plan and organize CT events such as Townhalls, site visits, speaking engagements, etc.
• Own the development of the annual scorecard and priorities for assigned functions. Oversee the monthly and quarterly updates. Communicate updates up to the Oncology R&D Leadership and Senior Executive Team where appropriate.
• Partner with the CT Leadership of assigned functions on the long-term strategy and vision.
• Partner with HR and Communications to ensure the Department is operating efficiently and it is seen as a great place to work
• Partner with Finance on financial planning for including regular contributions and updates during the mid-term planning and long-term planning financial cycles.
• Support and drive the AI and IT Strategy for in collaboration with appropriate leadership.
• Support and build cross-functional relationships with key partners across the organization.
• Work across AZ to oversee performance/progress across all functions that are aligned to Cell Therapy.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5+ years pharmaceutical experience
• Shaping, developing & efficiently implementing plans
• Strong organizational skills and a high degree of attention to detail
• Project and process management expertise
• Understanding of forecasts, budgets, financial processes and tools
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical business (including development)
• Cross-functional team experience
• Experience in leading through influence in a matrix organization
• Experience in strategic planning processes and tools
• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and oral), organizational, relationship building, and consulting skills

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or PhD is preferred
• Broad experience across multiple areas of Cell Therapy
• Experience in an alliance or strategic partnership
• Experience in translating business needs into a coordinated plan from cross-functional senior leadership team
• Results-orientation with ability to develop creative and simple solutions to sophisticated problems

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.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $159,180.80 - 238,771.20 USD . Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Why AstraZeneca
Here, unexpected teams come together to push scientific boundaries—combining deep expertise with groundbreaking technology and an entrepreneurial approach to build long-lasting vaccines and highly targeted antibodies. We move quickly and precisely. We work together across fields and geographies. Our goal is to turn complex science into medicines that strengthen global preparedness and provide lasting protection. We value kindness alongside ambition, empower people to lead, and back them with the tools, investment, and partnerships needed to create evidence that improves lives at scale.

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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.