Executive Director, Search and Evaluation Oncology

What if your next role helped eliminate cancer as a cause of death? At AstraZeneca, our Oncology ambition is unparalleled. We’ve built and strategically acquired one of the most promising pipelines in the industry, driven by a bold vision to push the boundaries of science, change the practice of medicine, and ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. You will be among inspiring oncology industry leaders who will empower you to be the best, joining teams with a shared sense of urgency to cure cancer and transform patients’ lives.  

​The Executive Director, Search & Evaluation, Oncology R&D, reports to the Vice President Head of Business Development in Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, with accountability for end-to-end deal-making opportunities across the lifecycle, and has a direct impact on the success of the Oncology R&D strategy and portfolio.

This is a senior strategic leadership role at the heart of AstraZeneca’s Oncology R&D ambition. The Executive Director, Search & Evaluation, Oncology R&D proactively scouts external innovation to augment AstraZeneca Discovery, Early and Late Oncology R&D.The successful candidate will have a strong R&D scientific and clinical background, proven project and people leadership, business and strategic acuity and interpersonal skills. In addition, the ability to engage and collaborate across organizational boundaries with an entrepreneurial demeanour by acting with urgency and agility.

Key accountabilities

Lead the scientific and strategic aspects of business development opportunities from initial engagement through diligence, governance, negotiation and execution, maintaining momentum and accountability throughout.

Act as a senior scientific partner to external organisations and transaction teams, shaping deal structures and terms that reflect the opportunity’s risks, value inflection points and intended development strategy.

Maintain a strong external network and market perspective across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, venture capital and the wider oncology ecosystem, using emerging science, competitor intelligence and industry trends to inform portfolio decisions.

Translate external developments into actionable recommendations for Oncology R&D, clearly articulating potential patient benefit, strategic fit, opportunity, risk and value.

Lead appropriately scaled, cross-functional evaluations of external opportunities, integrating scientific, clinical, competitive, operational, commercial, financial, regulatory, legal and manufacturing considerations

Develop clear, executive-ready assessments and business cases for senior leadership and governance bodies, enabling sound prioritisation of opportunities that strengthen the Oncology portfolio.

Communicate complex scientific, strategic and transaction matters with clarity and influence, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the Oncology therapy area, Business Development, Corporate Development and other key functions.

Role model and co-coach S&E colleagues and cross-functional contributors, promoting high standards of scientific rigour, collaboration, pace, inclusion and sound business judgement, and supporting effective transition to post-deal teams.

Essential qualifications and experience

Advanced scientific or clinical qualification relevant to oncology, (BSc or above) with at least 10 years of relevant experience.

Deep expertise in oncology biology, drug discovery and clinical development, with the ability to assess opportunities across disease areas, modalities and development stages.

Extensive pharmaceutical or biotechnology business development experience, including identifying, evaluating, diligencing, structuring, negotiating and progressing complex transactions.

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