Portfolio External Insights Director

Location: Greater London

Position Summar yThe Portfolio External Insights Director owns the analysis and framing of the R&D portfolio and its metrics, bringing together two lenses: rigorous R&D productivity analysis and benchmarking, and an outside-in view of how the pipeline is assessed externally — drawing on broker and analyst research, consensus estimates, and third-party data. Its purpose is to make that outside-in perspective visible in portfolio decision-making, so that external pressure points are properly weighed.

The Director translates complex data into a clear, evidence-based view that equips senior leadership to make the best portfolio decisions and underpins how the pipeline is presented externally. Key stakeholders include R&D Finance & Portfolio Value, Portfolio Decision Sciences, R&D leadership (up to SVP), pipeline reporting and benchmarking teams, R&D Strategy, and Investor Relations. The role also engages in decision science and analytics work with the Oncology and R&I teams.

Key Responsibilities R&D & Pipeline Analytics:
Lead analysis and interpretation of the R&D portfolio in partnership with pipeline reporting and R&D benchmarking teams — drawing on shared data and benchmarks, aligning on definitions, and building the analytical layer that informs both portfolio decision-making and external R&D communications. Set internal performance against an external reference point so the portfolio is always assessed in outside-in context.

Outside-In Perspective & External Pressure Points:
Synthesise the outside-in view — from broker and analyst research, consensus expectations, competitor positioning, and external benchmarks, present that view neutrally, ensuring external pressure points are surfaced to decision-makers and actively considered. Extend this into competitive and market insight that supports the broader portfolio team’s strategic planning.

External Evidence Base & Data Sources:
Own the selection, interpretation, and appropriate use of external data sources — broker and analyst research, consensus estimates, competitor disclosures, and third-party benchmarking platforms — ensuring the team draws on the best available evidence, understands each source’s construction and limitations, and applies it consistently across the company and peers.

R&D Productivity Analysis & Metrics:
Develop and maintain R&D productivity metrics that inform portfolio decisions and the external view of R&D performance — applying transparent, consistent methodologies that treat the company and peers on the same basis, and proactively surfacing limitations so that leaders can judge the strength of evidence themselves.

Decision Science & Analytics Project Support:
Hands-on decision science and analytics work with the Oncology and R&I Decision Science teams, applying portfolio-analytical and quantitative skills to priority projects. Actively upskill the organisation on external analytics — building capability in interpreting and applying external data sources, benchmarks, and competitive intelligence across disease-area teams, so that external insight becomes embedded in how project teams frame and evaluate their work.

Stakeholder Management:
Serve as the trusted, impartial point of contact for portfolio analytics across R&D Finance & Portfolio Value, Portfolio Decision Sciences, R&D leadership (up to SVP), pipeline reporting and benchmarking teams, R&D Strategy, and Investor Relations — building stakeholder networks, coordinating cross-matrix work, resolving conflicting data requests, and holding a neutral line where functions take differing views of the same data.

R&D Narrative Generation:
Co-develop the R&D and pipeline narrative for external audiences — drafting executive presentations, board papers, long-term…