SBM - NPP & PMO (Rare Diseases Business Unit)

This is a highly competitive position within AstraZeneca's Rare Diseases Business Unit. The team reports directly to the Vice President of the Rare Diseases Business Unit, focusing on strategic topics and initiatives specific to the rare diseases field. You will be expected to work closely with the leadership of the Rare Diseases Business Unit, cross-functional teams, as well as global, medical, and R&D teams, undertaking new product planning, business development, strategic planning, and managing corporate strategic projects in the rare diseases area.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

New Product Planning (NPP) and Business Development: 35%

• Proactively promote China innovation initiatives, ensuring that local insights and needs are effectively integrated into global therapeutic area (TA) strategies. Advocate for Chinese patient demands and market characteristics to be reflected in global TA strategies, enhancing the alignment of global product planning with the Chinese rare diseases market.
• Explore opportunities for Chinese innovation in rare diseases to go global through business development activities. Identify potential partners, evaluate cooperation models, and drive partnerships to promote the internationalization of Chinese rare disease research and development achievements, expanding the global influence of Chinese innovation in this field.
• Lead new product planning initiatives for rare diseases, including opportunity assessment, and product concept development.
• Collaborate closely with global, medical, and R&D teams to ensure seamless integration of new product strategies with global pipelines and medical evidence generation.
• Stay updated on the latest scientific advancements and regulatory requirements in the rare diseases field, and quickly translate this knowledge into actionable product plans.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful launch and commercialization of new products for rare diseases.
• Support key management meetings within the Rare Diseases Business Unit, coordinate key local governance processes and meetings, and facilitate communication, exchange, and coordination between the China Rare Diseases Business Unit and global and international teams.

Strategic planning and implementation: 35%

• Develop mid-to-long term corporate strategy specifically for the Rare Diseases Business Unit of AZ China and conduct annual strategic planning.
• Connect strategy and planning to initiatives and programs, bridging corporate strategic directions to the next level of operational planning and execution in the rare diseases field.
• Support cross-functional teams in implementing corporate strategies and planning, with a focus on the unique requirements of rare diseases.
• Enable senior management to evaluate strategy implementation through a consistent lens, considering the characteristics of the rare diseases industry.
• Support the Vice President of the Rare Diseases Business Unit for presentations with global teams.

Project Management: 30%

• Set up project management governance, develop tools, and deliver transformative initiatives that enable AZ China's Rare Diseases Business Unit to achieve strategic objectives.
• Regularly monitor project progress to ensure on-time achievement of milestones / KPIs, especially in rare diseases projects.
• Organize and facilitate overall cross-functional team meetings, and provide constructive feedback to improve the delivery of corporate strategic projects related to rare diseases.
• Make records of the decision, alignment, issues, and next steps proposed in meetings.
• Ensure information transparency and secure visibility of project progress and risks across project teams.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree and above, preferably in Science, Business, or other relevant areas; MBA degree is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong preference for experience in strategic planning, PMO, business development, brand marketing, new product planning, or management consulting in the rare diseases field.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking ability, with a deep understanding of the rare diseases industry.
• Proven consulting background, with preference given to candidates from MBB (McKinsey, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group) at the senior consultant level. Experience from client-side is a plus but not mandatory.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, especially in communicating complex rare diseases concepts and strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, global colleagues, medical professionals, and R&D experts.
• Excellent project management capabilities, with a track record of successfully leading projects in the pharmaceutical or related industries.
• Demonstrated passion for the rare diseases industry, with a quick learning ability to master new products and indications.
• Can work under pressure and adapt to the dynamic nature of the rare diseases field.
• Proficient in oral and written English.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.