At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive innovation in healthcare at AstraZeneca.
- Company: AstraZeneca is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on life-changing medicines.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development opportunities, and a vibrant office culture.
- Other info: In-person collaboration is key; expect to work in the office at least three days a week.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of healthcare with impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in pharmaceutical strategy, leadership, and digital transformation required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
Strategy and Innovation & Business Excellence (IBEX) Director
London
Advert Closing Date: 26th August 2025
Introduction to role:
As the Strategy and Innovation & Business Excellence (IBEX) Director, you\'ll be at the forefront of revolutionising our UK organization. You\'ll use your understanding of the healthcare system, our go-to-market model, and crucial capabilities to succeed. This role is delivered as Strategy Director and through four dynamic Centres of Excellence in IBEX: Data, Insight & Analytics; Digital Customer Engagement; Commercial Operations; and Technology Transformation. As a key member of the AZ UK Senior Leadership Team, you\'ll report directly to the Country President AZ UK and represent AZUK on Global and Regional IBEX Forums.
Accountabilities:
Strategic Leadership and Enterprise Focus
- Lead the design and execution of enterprise-wide strategy, including business-critical projects and processes
- Drive integrated business planning, performance governance, and UK strategic scorecard accountability
- Champion simplification and operational transformation, embedding new ways of working across the UK business
- Shape strategic agendas and decision-making forums within the Senior Leadership Team, fostering a high-performing collaborative culture
- Drive cohesion across therapy areas and collaboration with regional and global teams
Data, Insight and Analytics
- Drive excellence across key business planning processes.
- Oversee data acquisition and market research plans to inform forecasts, strategies, and performance analytics.
- Build new analytical capabilities to assess impact and improve precision of the commercial model.
- Develop data strategy to support current and future pipeline.
Digital Customer Engagement
- Build a Digital Customer Engagement strategy, maximising valued customer interactions across our Go To Market model
- Collaborate with franchise heads to build audience insights and digital channel strategies aligned with brand strategy.
- Set the Platform Excellence agenda for delivering digital customer engagement across various channels.
Commercial Operations
- Lead delivery of channel effectiveness analyses and innovative Sales and Incentive Schemes through sophisticated analytics.
- Simplify and re-launch the commercial onboarding process for sales and marketing professionals.
- Supervise the development of capability frameworks for Sales & Marketing roles.
Technology Transformation
- Optimise core commercial platforms to reduce manual workload and improve field experience.
- Build and maintain technology roadmap supporting AZUK Customer Powerhouse GTM.
- Transform legacy reporting into an intuitive dashboard environment.
Ex-AZUK Accountabilities
- Represent AZUK on the Global Digital Council.
- Represent AZUK on the EUCAN IBEX Leadership Team.
- Represent AZUK on Global iNEXT meeting.
Essential Skills/Experience:
- Breadth and depth of experience in pharmaceutical industry, with a strong track record of strategic leadership and business acumen.
- Proven strategic leadership experience, with the ability to develop, communicate, and implement enterprise-wide strategy across diverse business areas
- Track record of leading and delivering complex transformation programmes, including digital, performance, IT, and business process initiatives in a matrix environment
- Advanced skills in integrated business planning, operational governance, scorecard management, and project delivery
- Experience managing people and processes, including acting as strategy lead, or effectively leading and coaching a strategy lead within a matrixed organisation
- Track record of leading large organisations and effective influencing
- Experience of building high performing teams and building collaborative relationships across global and local teams.
- Experience in senior commercial excellence or sales force excellence or sales operations roles.
Desirable Skills/Experience:
- Operational experience in sales and/or marketing management combined with in-depth knowledge of key account management structures.
- Understanding of the UK Healthcare system and trends.
- Proven experience leading Sales and Marketing teams in the UK market
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash 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.
Business Area
AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can thrive on energy and pace, contributing to life-saving medicines that shape the future. With an expanding Biopharmaceuticals pipeline, we share learnings as we bring products to market together. Here, you can build a diverse career with opportunities to switch lanes easily, all while making a meaningful impact on patients\' lives.
At AstraZeneca, we believe in the potential of our people, and we’ll develop you beyond what you thought possible. There are countless opportunities to develop and grow with AstraZeneca – working with top people to build a diverse career and learn what Commercial looks like at its best.
At AstraZeneca UK, we are committed to delivering against three missions:
- Accelerating the position of the UK as a global centre of excellence in life sciences
- Redefining healthcare through fast and equitable access to the most effective medicines, high quality care
- Delivering balanced leadership that prioritises healthy people, society and planet
Our head office in Pancras Square offers us the strongest possible platform to transform the lives of patients, as the country’s leading biopharmaceutical company. It brings AstraZeneca UK closer to our customers, partners and collaborators in the UK’s healthcare environment, as well as develop greater collaboration with the wider AstraZeneca footprint.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join AstraZeneca\'s journey in shaping the future of healthcare!
Date Posted
13-Aug-2025Closing Date
26-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-LjbffrStrategy and Innovation & Business Excellence (IBEX) Director in London employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide numerous opportunities for professional development and career progression, all while contributing to life-saving medicines that make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. Our flexible working arrangements and inclusive environment ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy and Innovation & Business Excellence (IBEX) Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to life sciences and patient care will help you align your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of AstraZeneca, especially those in strategic roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the IBEX Director position, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly regarding digital transformation and customer engagement strategies. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to speak confidently about how you can drive innovation at AstraZeneca.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past leadership experiences in complex transformation programmes. Highlighting your ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results will demonstrate your fit for the strategic leadership required in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy and Innovation & Business Excellence (IBEX) Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Strategy and Innovation & Business Excellence (IBEX) Director role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Focus on showcasing your breadth and depth of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Provide specific examples of your strategic leadership and transformation programmes that demonstrate your ability to drive change and deliver results in a matrix environment.
Showcase Leadership Skills:Emphasise your proven track record in leading high-performing teams and building collaborative relationships. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've influenced stakeholders and shaped strategic agendas within senior leadership teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a tailored cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how you can contribute to AstraZeneca's mission and values, particularly in relation to healthcare innovation and excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Understand the Role Deeply
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Strategy and Innovation & Business Excellence (IBEX) Director role. Familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca's strategic goals and how this position contributes to them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully led complex transformation programmes. Be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and build high-performing teams.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Highlight your understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in relation to the UK healthcare system. Discuss current trends and how they might impact AstraZeneca's strategies, showing that you're not just knowledgeable but also forward-thinking.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making approach in hypothetical situations relevant to the role.
