Introduction to role

The Executive Director, Global Medical Head (Cluster Lead) turns therapy area strategy into scalable, high‑quality execution across a sophisticated cluster of indications and assets. Leading 5–6 Sr GMAL/GMALs who each own 1–2 indications, this role ensures the ten core GMAL accountabilities are delivered consistently: strategic indication and asset leadership; cross‑functional global medical strategy; evidence generation; publication stewardship; scientific narrative and confidence building; medical education direction; external engagement and partnerships; and congress strategy and delivery. The Global Medical Head sets direction, governs quality, and ensures compliant, efficient, and high‑impact medical execution globally in support of an anticipated ~60 launches over three years across five tumor areas.

Ready to develop how evidence, insight, and strategy come together to redefine cancer care?

Accountabilities

• Provide indication and asset leadership by translating therapy area priorities into clear indication strategies, setting direction and making evidence‑based trade‑offs across the cluster to benefit global medical objectives, acting as final escalation point for sophisticated benefit‑risk and reputational decisions.
• Drive global medical strategy through cross‑functional engagement by ensuring Sr GMAL/GMALs consistently lead key forums with markets, and by standardising operating cadences that align Development, Regulatory, Pharmacovigilance, Access, and non‑promotional Commercial teams around the medical plan.
• Lead all aspects of evidence generation governance by mentoring and approving indication evidence plans that address the most critical gaps, crafting strategy and develop of medical evidence (Phase IV, pragmatic studies, registries, RWE, IIS) and guiding operational support to deliver on time and on budget.
• Share accountability for publications by partnering with Publications on cluster publication strategies, endorsing prioritisation, authorship plans and timelines, securing GPT/GPL endorsement, and ensuring scientific integrity and compliance with GPP/ICMJE.
• Lead the cross‑indication scientific narrative by ensuring Sr GMAL/GMALs lead coherent narratives and confidence‑building strategies that are consistent across channels, geographies, and lifecycle stages.
• Define medical education priorities at cluster level and provide subject‑matter guidance so medical training and communications teams can design, develop, and deliver education aligned to the scientific platform.
• Direct external engagement and partnerships strategy across indications, being responsible for execution with KEEs, societies, and appropriate partners in alignment with MESO on partnership frameworks and governance.
• Lead congress strategy by defining the cross‑indication congress plan, guiding symposia strategy, abstracts, booth scientific narratives, compliant engagements, and ensuring magnificent execution and robust post‑congress insight collection.
• Enable regions and integrate insights by sponsoring toolkits, core content, and training, establishing closed‑loop insight systems so market feedback rapidly updates strategy, studies, and content.
• Drive operational excellence by leading the cluster budget and vendor ecosystem, setting standards for medical planning, dashboards, risk and issue management, and MLR processes, while optimizing FTE allocation across Sr GMAL/GMAL teams based on launch timing and complexity.
• Lead risk, safety, and compliance by anticipating scientific and safety risks, partnering with Pharmacovigilance on signals, RMPs, and labeling updates, and upholding medical governance, promotional separation, and audit‑ready documentation.
• Act as an enterprise integrator by serving as senior medical counterpart to Development, Regulatory/Labeling, PV, HEOR/Market Access, Diagnostics/CDx, Digital, Manufacturing and regional medical leaders, aligning with MESO on partnerships and medical excellence standards.

Essential Skills/Experience

• A minimum of a MBBS, MD, PhD, or PharmD required; oncology specialty training or extensive oncology leadership experience strongly preferred. MPH/MBA advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years in oncology Medical Affairs/Clinical Research with repeated global launch success; 5+ years leading leaders (Sr GMAL/GMALs or Directors) and large, matrixed portfolios across multiple indications/assets. Experience at country, region and global setting are highly desirable.
• Deep knowledge of tumor biology, standards of care, and trial design; strong command of non‑registrational evidence (RWE/HEOR/PROs), publications governance, congress strategy, and biomarker/CDx environments.
• Portfolio prioritization, evidence‑based decision making, executive influence, stakeholder negotiation, change leadership, and talent development; excellent scientific communication.
• Proven strength operating within ICH/GCP, PV processes, GPP/ICMJE, and global industry codes (e.g., EFPIA/PhRMA), with audit‑ready discipline.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Proven track record of orchestrating sophisticated launch portfolios across multiple tumor types or indications at global scale.
• Experience building or transforming high‑performing medical teams through coaching senior leaders, succession planning and capability development.
• Proven impact in shaping clinical practice or guidelines through evidence generation strategies that influence HTA bodies or professional societies.
• Strong record of partnership with Development and Commercial to resolve sophisticated benefit‑risk issues and navigate challenging labeling or access environments.
• Comfort operating in fast‑paced environments with multiple concurrent launches, balancing strategic focus with hands‑on problem solving.

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.

At AstraZeneca, Medical Affairs sits at the heart of transforming cancer care by fusing science with strategy to generate and communicate evidence that truly changes clinical practice. Colleagues collaborate across functions and geographies to translate deep scientific insight into real‑world impact for patients at every point in their journey. It is an open environment where ideas are heard, where brave thinking is encouraged and where active listening underpins how teams work together. Continuous learning is part of everyday work, supported by a rich pipeline that offers stretching opportunities for those who want to grow their oncology careers while contributing directly to the ambition of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

If this role matches your experience and ambitions, apply now to help shape the future of oncology medicine worldwide.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $285,873 to $428,809 Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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 pay (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.

Date Posted

24-Apr-2026

Closing Date

03-May-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.