The Business Unit Director (BUD) is the most senior Business Unit leadership role in the local marketing company, plays a significant role within the Senior Leadership Team and reports directly to AstraZeneca Country President in Ireland. With AstraZeneca’s robust portfolio, this strategic leader will play a key role in resource planning and the continued build out of our team and capabilities.
The BUD will be responsible for both Sales and Marketing and championing cross functional team working with medical, market access and other functions as well as working closely with the Global/Regional team to help grow the AZ business. He or she will have full profit and loss responsibility for financial results, sales targets and competitive performance. He or she will work to transform and build the Business Unit providing vision, leadership, and entrepreneurial energy to make the most from the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead for AstraZeneca in specific therapy area and ensure AstraZeneca will be recognised as a credible partner and leader in the field of CVRM, Respiratory or Oncology.
Typical Accountabilities
Challenge the status-quo to develop and articulate the strategic long-term vision of AZ brands, maintain a long-term focus, identify marketed changes and new growth opportunities to maximise portfolio and brand potential
Be a change agent to build the Business Unit of the future by implementing innovative business models, identifying future fit capabilities and leading transformation, including innovation and digital technology adoption
Ensure early market and organisational preparation and internal launch readiness for new upcoming launches
Build and maintain relationships internally (with global, region and local) and championing cross functional team working. This also includes alliance workings and how we work and operate with alliance partners.
Ensure that strong external relationships across KEEs, as well as other key stakeholders, are built and maintained
Manage and oversee the development of an effective brand strategy and marketing plan for all brands, and ensure successful operational execution across the market
Develop local business plan across the Therapeutic Area portfolio in line with global strategy and local needs
Prepare sales forecasts and establish and implement sales targets
Lead and monitor product launches, tracking KPIs and budget implementation to ensure success
Develop the team; lead allocation and deployment of resources, drive talent development and performance management with a forward-looking view of future required capabilities including talent planning and capability assessments, coaching and mentoring direct reports, succession planning and oversight of recruitment
Manage operational sales & marketing budgets
Proactively identify, assess and manage risk (commercial, compliance, reputational, operational) within the business unit and beyond
As a member of the Ireland Senior Leadership Team, act as a role model in the business for compliance within the business and ensure all legal and regulatory requirements are executed within own team and exemplify AZ values and comply with AZ internal policies.
People Management Responsibility:
This position carries people management responsibility for an overall team of approximately 15–20 employees, with 3–5 direct reports. The role includes matrix leadership across projects or dotted-line reporting structures, direct team management, and may include second-line leadership responsibilities as a manager of managers.
Global Remit:
Role has a remit across all AstraZeneca countries.
Essential requirements:
Experience of developing go-to-market models that combine an innovative channel mix to maximise commercial impact
Strong scientific and data-driven analytical thinking and launch excellence capability
Substantial pharmaceutical industry experience across multiple functions
Business unit management experience, incorporating responsibility for sales and marketing
In-depth understanding and experience of partnering with Medical Affairs activities
Demonstrated can do and enterprise mind-set; with ability to drive change
Ability to develop and execute a strong strategic vision supported by effective financial management
Ability to lead/develop people and organisations to effective and high performing teams
Stimulates cross-functional collaboration in teams
Ability to build networks and manage relationships with stakeholders (internal & external) and with Key Opinion Leaders
Exemplify the AstraZeneca Values and behaviours, aligned with Company Code of Conduct, AstraZeneca company policies and in compliance with internal and external regulations.
University degree qualification
Desirable requirements:
Existing network of the Ireland KEEs and other key stakeholders
International experience
MBA
Previous market experience in the relevant Therapeutic Area
Date Posted
03-Jun-2026Closing Date
16-Jun-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.