Oncology Business Excellence Director UK (18 Month FTC)

The Oncology Business Excellence Director UK is a pivotal role within the UK Oncology Leadership Team, driving decision-making and operational excellence across all franchises. This role is responsible for providing actionable business insights, optimizing commercial strategies, improving operational efficiency and driving external partnerships. Elevate the organization’s performance by providing excellent business practices, efficient operations, a strong field force effectiveness, engaging customers and patients using omnichannel and/or digital platforms, and making driven insight driven decisions.

The role reports directly to the Head of Oncology UK and is a key contributor to the UK Commercial Oncology Leadership Team. It also works closely with global partners, including Global Business Planning and Transformation, Commercial Digital Health, and IT, and actively participates in the EUCAN OBEX network to lead business transformation across OBU more broadly.

The role is responsible for a budget aligned to the UK market and is responsible for multiple areas, including Insights and Analytics, Training and Development, Field Enablement and Field Force Operations, Omnichannel Ecosystem and Delivery, Data Strategy and Platform, Customer and Patient Engagement, Digital Innovation and pathway partnership optimisation.

Accountabilities:

Shape the vision and strategy for OBU future success

• Define and articulate a bold and future-fit vision for OBU Business Excellence that aligns with the UK Oncology business strategy and AstraZeneca’s global priorities.

• Identify critical capabilities, tools, and processes the OBU must develop to remain competitive and deliver sustainable value in the oncology landscape.

• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership to ensure alignment on strategic priorities and cultivate a shared commitment to achieving the OBU’s long-term goals.

Lead cross-functional collaboration and transformational change

• Engage with Franchise Heads, Medical, Market Access, Finance, and other important team members to ensure alignment on strategy and execution plans.

• Inspire teams to embrace change and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and future-focused thinking.

• Facilitate communication and alignment between global, EUCAN, and UK teams, ensuring agility and responsiveness to local and global priorities.

Create a data-driven and insights-led organization

• Strengthen data analytics capabilities to deliver actionable insights and improve decision-making across franchises.

• Ensure the OBU makes evidence-based decisions informed by deep customer, patient, and market insights.

• Leverage data to identify trends, anticipate challenges, and uncover opportunities to enhance the patient journey and drive business growth.

Optimize patient pathways through innovation and collaboration

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to streamline and enhance patient journeys, improving outcomes across multiple tumour types.

• Develop and deliver innovative services and solutions that address unmet needs and drive measurable improvements in patient care.

• Influence the external environment by engaging policymakers, healthcare providers, and organizations to create significant change for patients.

Lead the OBEX team to drive performance and build future-fit capabilities

• Provide visionary leadership to the OBEX team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture that aligns with strategic objectives.

• Set clear expectations, ensure accountability, and deliver tailored development programs to enhance team skills.

• Attract, develop, and retain top talent to create a diverse and high-calibre workforce.

• Actively engage with the EUCAN OBEX network to share methodologies and build collective capabilities.

Manager of a team

• Lead a team of 4 managers and approximately 20 second line reports

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in relevant field (e.g., business or science).

• Significant commercial experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry.

• Thorough comprehension of the UK healthcare system or similar proven experience of learning, operating, and shaping a healthcare system in a complex market.

• Demonstrated deep understanding of:

• Strategic Planning,

• Sales and Marketing,

• Omnichannel and Digital Marketing,

• Data and Insights Modelling,

• Operational excellence and delivery of innovative healthcare solutions.

• Oncology experience is strongly desirable.

• Consistent track record of driving performance improvement and leading analytical and customer-focused initiatives.

• Strong team leadership experience ideally across multiple different functions.

• Experience in developing and leading external partnerships with 3rd party and NHS organizations.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• MBA or equivalent postgraduate education.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we spark 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.