Senior Director, Franchise Strategy, Cell Therapy

US - Gaithersburg - MD
Full-time
Posted Nov 13, 2026

Skills

Project Management

Job description

Locations: Gaithersburg, MD or Boston, MA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. AstraZeneca has a multifaceted environment that cultivates collaboration and innovation to achieve our goals. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build talent.

Within the AstraZeneca Enterprise Cell Therapy Unit, our ambition is to realize the full potential of cell therapy for people living with cancer, immune-mediated and rare diseases around the world. This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late-stage development and commercialization. We are rapidly progressing a broad pipeline of cell therapies in collaboration with AstraZeneca’s Therapeutic Area Units.

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

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. This role may be aligned to offices located in Gaithersburg, MD or Boston, MA

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 231,988.80 - 347,983.20 USD Annual . Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

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.

Date Posted

13-Nov-2026

Closing Date

27-Nov-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.