Executive Director, Global Project Leader - Hematology Oncology

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to advancing the science of oncology to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody-drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy, and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We currently have nearly 100 Phase 1, 2, 3, and Lifecycle Management Oncology projects in our robust pipeline. We deliver the Research & Development for Oncology through our Oncology R&D Unit.  This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late-stage development, enabling rapid acceleration of promising early-stage assets and life-cycle management programs.

The Hematology Research and Development (R&D) team is accountable for all drug development activities in hematology research from first-in-man studies, all the way to late-stage trials leading to drug approval by regulatory agencies (Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials). The team strives to deliver compelling preclinical, clinical, and translational data packages providing confidence in the dosing strategy, tolerability profile, and therapeutic efficacy of our candidate drugs to support investment in late-stage clinical development, leading to drug approval.

We are looking for a highly qualified candidate to lead the development and execution of the product strategy for one or more projects. This individual will be accountable for the strategic leadership and execution and act as the champion for the product candidates. The individual will develop a range of strategic and tactical options, secure governance and budget approval, secure cross-functional resources for the projects, and then take accountability for execution, monitoring, and reporting of progress/issues. The individual will articulate the project goals, strategy and the underlying science and clinical need to internal and external audiences with clarity and credibility.

In this role, the candidate will work with other project leaders, scientific and clinical leaders, and external experts to develop coordinated project plans that can be delivered across functional boundaries.  The candidate will ensure that diverse views within the team are heard and a strongly empowered and motivated team is crafted and will demonstrate highly visible leadership within the oncology community, both within AZ and externally.  The successful candidate will have hematology/oncology clinical drug development experience, demonstrated leadership, and be able to critically navigate the science that underlies these programs. The candidate should be able to effectively communicate across a broad range of audiences and can clearly articulate project-specific strategies as well as the overall oncology strategy.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads product development teams responsible for novel Hematology Oncology therapies from preclinical candidate selection through proof of concept leading to Phase 3 investment decisions. The candidate will lead all regulatory submissions.   Accountable for the strategy and execution of a portfolio of pre-clinical and clinical-stage therapies.

• Accountable for the delivery of projects according to quality, time, budgets, and resources

• Build strategic and coordinated product development plans that are aligned with business objectives and are differentiated from competitor products.

• Accountable for the execution of the coordinated product plan to the agreed scope, timelines, and budgets

• Leads and communicates the project development strategy at governance meetings, accountable for aligning with internal management and for communicating with external collaborators.

• Lead projects from preclinical Lead Optimization Investment Decision to clinical Proof of Concept (PoC):

• Responsible for all aspects of project strategy including preclinical, translational, clinical development, patient selection, regulatory, pediatric, intellectual property, CMC, and Asian development strategy

• Development of the Target Product Profile, ensuring alignment with disease area strategy and late-stage development

• Leads the Product Development Team (PDT) to effectively handle/mitigate/communicate risk, make decisions, and handle conflict and change.

• Responsible for maintaining a high degree of PDT efficiency through collaboration, influence, and, as necessary, coaching and mentoring of cross-functional team members.

• Ensure that there are robust processes, plans, and data to enable Governance Bodies to make investment decisions and prioritize projects across the portfolio.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• M.D. or Ph.D. with minimum of 8 years of industry experience.

• Experience in drug development including experience in early and late phase drug development and regulatory knowledge.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the Hematology-Oncology therapeutic area and other diverse biological therapies.

• Broad understanding of the evolving clinical landscape in hematology/oncology

• Own the overall development of project strategy and be accountable for project plans, timelines, progress, and outcomes.

• Proven experience leading and motivating teams in a highly matrixed environment. 

• Consistent record of cultivating and leading internal and external cross-functional collaborations

• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills

• Proven success in influencing colleagues and senior leaders in various departments.

• Must demonstrate high integrity.

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 in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and is always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

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

Where can I find out more?

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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The annual base pay ranges from 246,070 - 369,104. 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

01-Sep-2026

Closing Date

17-Sep-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.