Launch Planning Director

AstraZeneca is a global Bio Pharmaceutical Company headquartered in Cambridge UK. AZ Global and in market commercial teams receive support for sales and marketing activities via centralized capabilities in Digital content, Omnichannel, business analytics and other commercial excellence activities.

GBS Commercial Operations (GCO) provides these services as part of the Global Business Services (GBS) function to over 60 countries. The Launch Planning Director reports to the leader of the Global Planning & Medical Delivery team within GCO. The Director is responsible for managing and evolving the service areas managed by GCO for the AstraZeneca Global Planning organization.

As a Director you will be responsible for leading a high performing team (on and nearshore) that leads and delivers excellence in Launch Planning and end-to-end material review and approval process. Core Responsibilities Provide leadership, direction, guidance and support to direct reports aligned with both the goals and objectives of the business as well as the growth and development of the colleague and AZ values. Support the team leading Launch Project Management support.

Support the team in leading Launch Day 0 planning for brands launching new products, indications, and/or label updates to enable content to be released upon label approval. Foster collaboration and partnership between direct reports and partnering teams that must work together to delivery integrated shared services. Understands and maintain knowledge of launch strategies and business objectives to align delivery services to the commercial goals.

Build effective and collaborative relationships with key stakeholder across Global and US OBU (Business Excellence, Innovation & Business Planning and Brand Teams) through the establishment of forums, communities of practice, or informal discussion to understand current state services, the degree to which services are meeting or exceeding client expectations, and identification of requirements that can address improvement opportunities. Drive process excellence, operational rigour and productivity across service line. Thought leadership; provide experience and perspective on how to evolve the Launch planning capability across US OBU.

Continuously scans the internal and external environment to represent leading trends and practices associated with launch planning and MLR shared service. Works across GCO team leads and their respective teams as well as those from other shared service organizations to maximize collaboration and optimize the cost, quality, and speed of delivery. Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and application of all relevant policies, procedures and operational frameworks.

Ensures GCO direct and indirect reports comply with all appropriate AZ Code of Conduct policies and procedures. Experience: Bachelors Degree with Minimum of 10 years’ experience working in a role associated with Marketing, Launch Planning, Business Excellence and MLR Minimum of 6 years’ experience working in Pharmaceutical or Healthcare Industry within a commercial or commercial support organization. Knowledge of Launch processes, procedures, and program delivery standards Knowledge of the MLR (Medical, Legal, Regulatory) planning process regarding the development and approval of promotional content Experience with brand strategic operational planning processes and content platforms Strong leadership abilities, with a demonstrated track record of successfully managing cross-functional teams and driving results.

Ability to build trusted relationships across a range of partner groups including Marketing, Medical, Regulatory, Business Excellence, IT and agencies. Ability to handle multiple projects running in parallel. Strong Project management experience including risk mitigation and planning.

Ability to influence, motivate, and inspire change. Proven track record working across functions with high level of commitment and follow through. Demonstrated experience in problem solving and continuous improvement Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and negotiating skills.

Financial performance accountability Energetic, self-motivated, positive teammate Supplier management experience Preferred: MBA in a relevant field (marketing, business, strategy, etc.) 3-4 years Pharmaceutical Brand Marketing experience Shared Service Leading near and offshore teams Service Design Why AstraZeneca? At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big.

Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us while we continue to build a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we are developing new ways to work, ground breaking methods, and bringing unexpected teams together.

Interested? Come and join our team Next Steps – Apply Today Curious to know more? Then please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well-qualified for this opportunity. Know someone who would be an excellent fit?

Please share this posting with them. AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.

We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.