Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a top-tier Oncology Competitive Intelligence team and shape strategic decisions.
- Company: AstraZeneca is a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, dedicated to pushing scientific boundaries.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, competitive pay, and a culture that values growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in medicine while working in an inclusive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor's degree and extensive experience in competitive intelligence or equity research.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team where your ideas can transform patient outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Executive Director, Head of Competitive Intelligence
Possible Locations: Gaithersburg, MD, Boston, MA, London (UK), Cambridge (UK)
With deep Competitive Intelligence expertise, Oncology experience, and sound business judgment, this global head-level role leads the Oncology Competitive Intelligence function and drives Oncology portfolio strategy from early R&D through commercialization. The role is a core member of the Straegy. Business Development, Alliances (SBDA) leadership team.
Description
- Lead a best-in-class Oncology CI team that sets the industry benchmark for excellence and impact. Act as the single source of truth on the Oncology competitive landscape, delivering high-impact insight that directly shapes investment, clinical development, and global commercial strategies.
- Translate deep competitor, pipeline, and market insights into actionable recommendations that directly guide Oncology strategy and executive decisions.
- Represent the external environment in critical decision-making forums, challenging assumptions and ensuring CI drives R&D and commercial priorities.
- Drive excellence as a core member of SBDA LT. As a member of the SBDA LT this role will also play a part in ensuring the continued high performance of the group
Typical Accountabilities
- Oversee the Oncology CI function across R&D and commercial, ensuring alignment to business priorities and Oncology indications.
- Build, develop, and retain a high-performing, inclusive CI team with strong succession planning and a culture of continuous learning.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to set CI priorities and ensure intelligence directly supports strategic decision-making.
- Deliver proprietary, externally informed recommendations by leveraging a broad network of sources, vendors, and public data.
- Provide future-oriented insights and early-warning intelligence in senior decision-making forums.
- Communicate clear assessments of the portfolio’s competitive position to inform development, franchise, and commercial strategies.
- Anticipate and share external data or events that could impact the Oncology portfolio’s success and forecasts.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality insight summaries, materials, and presentations for senior stakeholders.
- Manage CI budget and vendor partnerships to ensure high-value, cost-effective outcomes.
- Lead key CI and cross-functional projects that support strategic objectives.
Essential for the role
- Science or commercially related Bachelors degree
- Extensive competitive intelligence or equity research experience and experience
- Experience running a competitive intelligence or equity research team
- Broad knowledge of healthcare ecosystem/dynamics
- Strong leadership skills, demonstrating flexibility and a proven ability to prioritise and deal with complexity under time and other pressures.
- Highly collaborative, extensive track record of building productive networks
- Service oriented, self-motivated, curious and results-oriented
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Strong Influencing skills
- Prior experience working with and presenting to with senior executives.
Desirable
- Expertise in Oncology
- Advanced degree holders who have a focus in decision analysis, statistics, business or medicine/science
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca, we \’re dedicated to being a phenomenal Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.
Competitive Benefits
This opportunity offers access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.
So, what’s next?
A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take calculated risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline.
If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and passionate about the possibilities, then we are keen to hear from you!
Where can I find out more?
Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn
Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook
Follow AstraZeneca on Insta gram
Date Posted
28-Jul-2025
Closing Date
01-Aug-2025 Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Director, Head of Competitive Intelligence employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, Head of Competitive Intelligence
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the oncology and competitive intelligence fields. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca's recent projects and initiatives in oncology. Understanding their strategic direction will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and driven results under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the competitive landscape in oncology by following relevant publications and reports. This knowledge will enable you to provide insightful contributions during interviews and showcase your expertise in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, Head of Competitive Intelligence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in competitive intelligence and oncology. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to drive strategic decisions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for oncology and competitive intelligence. Discuss how your background aligns with the role's requirements and how you can contribute to AstraZeneca's mission.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you've led teams or projects related to competitive intelligence. Mention any experience working with senior executives and how you influenced decision-making.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: AstraZeneca values collaboration and communication. Include examples of how you've built productive networks and worked effectively in team settings, especially under pressure.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Showcase Your Competitive Intelligence Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in competitive intelligence during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully influenced strategic decisions through your insights, particularly in the oncology field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role requires strong leadership, be ready to share instances where you've built and led high-performing teams. Discuss your approach to fostering an inclusive culture and how you prioritise team development and succession planning.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be part of senior decision-making forums, practice articulating your thoughts on the competitive landscape and how external data can impact business strategies. Show that you can challenge assumptions and provide actionable recommendations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Prepare to present complex information in a clear and concise manner. Consider practising your presentation skills to ensure you can deliver high-quality insight summaries to senior stakeholders.
