Senior Director, Franchise Strategy, Cell Therapy

This role is a dynamic role responsible for the management of a Cell Therapy Franchise and a key partner to the VP, Franchise Lead. The Senior Director will be an integral part of driving the successful development of pre-clinical and clinical stage assets to approval and launch, and work with the Franchise Lead and GPTs to deliver successful execution of Cell Therapy Strategy.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain integrated franchise-level clinical development plan (CDP), ensuring alignment with franchise lead and senior leadership on key milestones, risks, and strategy
• Partner closely with program managers and global product leads to monitor program progress, identify emerging risks, and drive alignment with franchise leadership
• Coordinate annual business cycle planning for the franchise, including TA Strategy, LTP, and MTP, by developing executive-level materials, consolidating functional inputs, and managing deliverables
• Drive franchise strategic initiatives by planning and facilitating recurring functional subteam meetings (e.g., Site excellence, CMC, Translational), tracking action items, and ensuring timely follow-through
• Manage franchise operational infrastructure, including sharepoint, integrated calendars, forward agendas, team rosters, study enrollment and site activation tracking, and other tools that provide visibility into execution

Crucial Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in appropriate discipline
• Minimum 5 years in operational strategy OR 5 years in Pharmaceutical Industry OR 3 years management consulting experience
• Superior project management skills with demonstrated experience successfully managing a cross-functional or cross-departmental team on a sophisticated project
• Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to logically structure issues and determine recommended resolutions
• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performance targets and project initiatives in a global environment
• Operational expertise in proactive risk management and contingency planning
• Conceptual, analytical, with demonstrated strategic thinking capability
• Ability to work well under pressure and effectively and professionally navigate tough situations
• Ability to challenge the status quo, take ownership and holds self and others accountable
• Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully, to obtain desired outcomes while maintaining effective, positive, organizational relationships
• Passion for Patients and Customers, representing the needs of multiple customers in decision making

Desirable Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Masters or PhD or other advanced degree in scientific discipline or MBA
• PMP or Life Sciences Management Consulting
• Strong experience in relationship management and influencing skills
• Effective problem and conflict resolution skills and proven team focus
• Excellent knowledge of AstraZeneca policies, procedures and guidelines
• Experience in working with senior leaders