Director, Business Planning and Operations

Director, Business Planning and Operations

Cancer Biomarker Development, Early Oncology R&D

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the utmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe. 

We are committed to advancing the science of oncology to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody-drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We currently have over 100 Oncology projects in our robust pipeline. We deliver the Research & Development for Oncology through our Oncology R&D Unit, spanning discovery to late-stage development.

Overview

The Director, Business Planning and Operations is a strategic partner and trusted advisor for the Vice President (VP), Cancer Biomarker Development and Department Leadership Team. In this highly collaborative and visible role, you will be instrumental in shaping the evolving organization and business strategy, supporting special initiatives, leading business case development, and driving budgeting and planning processes. 

You will work closely with the central Business Planning and Operations Team to ensure alignment and operational excellence, leveraging your experience in drug and biomarker development and expertise in complex business processes. As a thought partner, you will provide counsel to the VP and Leadership Team, ensuring sound decision-making for both near- and long-term objectives. Leveraging data and insights, you will inform key business strategies, oversee the execution of special projects, and lead resource and budget planning efforts to deliver maximum value for the department and organization. 

Key Responsibilities

Thought Partnership & Strategic Advisor

• Serve as a thought partner and trusted confidant to the VP and Cancer Biomarker Department Leadership Team, shaping, informing, and challenging business strategy.

• Provide expert guidance and recommendations on business planning, operational processes, and organizational priorities. 

• Support and enable agile, proactive leadership decisions by delivering critical insights, thoughtful business analysis, and objective counsel. 

Business Cases & Special Initiatives

• Drive the development of robust business cases for strategic partnerships, investments, or process improvements. 

• Lead or support high-priority, cross-functional and departmental initiatives and special projects – including non-drug scientific, technical, strategic, and change projects. 

• Champion new ways of working, leading the evolution of operating models and fostering collaboration across teams. 

Budgeting, Planning & Resource Management

• Lead the development, execution, and monitoring of the department’s budgeting and resource planning processes. 

• Provide oversight and analysis for man power and non man power forecasting, spend tracking, and variance management; implement corrective actions as needed. 

• Direct regular portfolio prioritization and resource allocation discussions to address departmental and pipeline needs. 

• Oversee progress toward annual objectives and budget targets, reporting regularly to the Leadership Team. 

Operational Leadership

• Support the Cancer Biomarker Leadership Team through meeting planning, agenda-setting, and action tracking. 

• Coordinate the development of annual objectives, metrics, and success criteria with departmental leadership. 

• Work closely with Oncology Portfolio and Capacity Management, facilitating resource discussions and recruitment/onboarding of critical hires. 

• Support retention, talent development, and succession planning initiatives. 

• Maintain oversight of all Cancer Biomarker initiatives and BAU activities, ensuring alignment with wider Oncology prioritization. 

• Strategically partner with Communications to deliver key departmental engagements and share critical updates. 

• Apply methodologies to translate strategy into actionable plans, ensuring practical and timely execution. 

• This role requires a high level of cultural sensitivity, interactive communication, negotiation, and collaboration. Considerable tact, discretion, and influence are essential to achieving objectives while maintaining strong professional relationships. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 7+ years of industry experience in drug or biomarker development, including early phase portfolio management (e.g., goals setting, prioritization). 

• Strong experience in business case development and project management. 

• Excellent collaboration and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence across organization. 

• Proven ability to partner and communicate effectively with senior leadership. 

• Broad experience with business, operational, or general processes. 

• Strategic thinking with demonstrated ability to translate strategy to operational execution. 

• Experience with applying AI tools to business processes and scientific projects 

• Leadership skills, with high integrity and organizational acumen. 

• Strong analytical skills and ability to simplify/improve business processes. 

• Excellent written/verbal communication, facilitation, collaboration, and negotiation skills. 

• Experience dealing with complex, fast-paced, and dynamic environments. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or MBA. 

• Strong knowledge of Oncology therapeutic area. 

• Experience achieving tangible value in a similar role and scale. 

• Experience leading cross-functional teams. 

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we seize opportunities for change and make it happen – no matter how big or small. Delivering life-changing medicines requires an entrepreneurial spirit, and we are building an innovative organization by bringing together unexpected teams in groundbreaking ways. Interested? Join us on this journey. 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $167,772.00 - 251,658.00 USD.  Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.