Executive Director, Global Program Team Lead

AstraZeneca

Executive Director leading strategic direction and global drug development for AstraZeneca. Managing complex Phase III clinical development programs with accountability for program goals.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeBoston • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Executive Director, Global Program Team Lead is responsible for providing strategic direction and leading the global drug development for one or multiple Global Program Teams with complex Phase III clinical development programs.
Program ownership with final accountability for clear definitions of program goals, plans, decisions and deliverables to meet those goals.
Provides strategic direction and leadership of global development programs from Post-PoC to BLA/NDA/MAA for assigned projects in accordance with the global R&D strategy.
Ensures that the GPT implements its plans and adheres to key development milestones for assigned projects.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced life-science degree (MD, PhD or PharmD) preferred with a specialty in the assigned therapeutic area, or equivalent experience with global development required.
Total leadership experience including line/project management, multidisciplinary program management experience
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in drug development in pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, or biotechnology.
Demonstrated experience leading the development of at least one development candidate with adherence to quality, excellence and efficiency.
Demonstrated experience leading drug development projects and activities in a matrixed, global organization.
A broad understanding of how to communicate and work well with team members and relevant people as well as scientists and external decision-makers worldwide.
A thorough understanding of how to influence local and global regulatory, scientific, and commercial environments.
Ability to assimilate data, recognize key variables and analyze complex situations.
Solid understanding of CMC, pharmacology, toxicology, PK, clinical requirements to support major regulatory filings – IND/IMPD, BLA/NDA/MAA
Has experience leading preparation of PMDA/EMA/FDA milestone meetings, such as Pre-IND, EoP-1, EoP-2, Pre-BLA/NDA, Advisory Committees.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible working hours
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Drug DevelopmentProgram ManagementClinical RequirementsPharmacologyToxicologyPK AnalysisRegulatory FilingsData AnalysisProject ManagementMatrix Organization Experience

Soft Skills

CommunicationInfluencing SkillsTeam CollaborationProblem-SolvingLeadership