Senior Director, Strategy (Cell Therapy)

Location: Waltham, MA
 

Do you have a strategic mindset, analytical rigor, and people leadership that enables you to deliver positive outcomes on high-impact and complex strategic topics? Are you looking to demonstrate those skills to help lead the team that shapes our future Biopharmaceuticals strategy and portfolio? 

About AstraZeneca 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise. 

Within Biopharmaceuticals R&D, we are empowered to be bold, take calculated risks and use our intelligence and courage to always follow the science. 

Biopharmaceuticals Strategy, Business Development, and Competitive Intelligence Team  

Our team is being built to sit at the center of Biopharmaceuticals R&D – driving our R&D strategy and addressing the unmet needs and future focus of AstraZeneca’s Biopharmaceuticals pipeline. We operate both internally and externally, leading collaboration and acquisition opportunities as well as partnering closely with external alliances.  

Responsibilities:  

In this role, you will report to SVP, Biopharmaceuticals R&D Strategy, Business Development, Competitive Intelligence and be accountable for the development and delivery of Therapeutic Area Strategy for Cell Therapy within our immunology pipeline, based on our latest priorities.  

What you will do: Deliver end-to-end cell therapy Strategy, including: 

• Clear understanding and prioritization of current and future unmet needs 
• Cell therapy strategic vision for both near-term and long-term 
• Integrated clinical strategy across all assets within the same mechanistic area 
• Competitive early pipeline / long-term portfolio 

• Above-asset initiatives (e.g., Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine, Data Sciences) 

How you will operate:

• Develop clear strategic framework /structure to guide teams through complex strategies 
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cell therapy strategy content (e.g., GPTs, Clinical Development, Discovery, BD, Lifecycle and Pipeline, Competitive Intelligence)  

• Provide strategic counselling to SVP Strategy and other senior leaders 

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD or MD and 5 of combined experience in life sciences or consulting firm with focus in life science programs or experience working in research, and/or with data, analysis and fact-based decision-making
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with executive teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence experienced professionals.
• Ability to think critically, creatively and to anticipate and solve problems.
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, highly-matrixed work environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Effective interpersonal and relationship management skills with consultative approach and ability to interact and build trust
• Operational effectiveness, highly organized process with follow through
• Strong initiative to understand our core business goals and establish processes or programs to set direction, generate alignment and push forward
• Financial background and understanding of forecasts, budgets, financial activities and tools
• Resourceful, motivated, influential and proactive; able to prioritize in a fast-growing organization
• Experience in strategic planning processes and tools
• Scientific background
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical business (including R&D)
• Experience in translating business needs into a coordinated plan from cross-functional senior leadership team
• Ability to develop creative and simple solutions to complex problems
• Knowledge and experience of competitive intelligence work in life sciences

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we 're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

Pay transparency: The annual base pay for this position ranges from 229,303-343,954 annual USD. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

So, what’s next?

Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. 

Find out more information here:    

Kendall Square Press Release

Date Posted

20-Jan-2026

Closing Date

24-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.