Associate Director, Operations Manager, Oncology R&D

Associate Director, Operations Manager, Oncology R&D

Gaithersburg, MD

Main Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic individual who is looking for an opportunity to build on their operational and project management expertise as an Associate Director, Operations Manager in the Chief Operating Office in Oncology R&D (ORD).  This role supports business-as-usual business operations and functional area projects, ensuring robust and fit-for-purpose delivery in line with functional needs and in close partnership with the Business Planning & Operations Director (BPO) for the function.  As an Associate Director, Operations Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, gain exposure to the Chief Operating Office and ORD functions, and shape how we deliver impact in 2026.

This role sits within the Operations Team in the Chief Operating Office in Oncology R&D.  The Operations Manager reports to the Director Operations, Oncology R&D and will be aligned to supporting ORD functions based on business need. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Partnership with functional BPO and business partners to plan and execute key business operations processes
• Streamline, improve and standardize operations processes in line with COO & BPO expectations
• Drive scorecard development and reporting, risk monitoring and mitigation planning, CO2e and travel budget forecasting and tracking, LT and F2F meeting management, and support MTP/LTP/Phased budget preparation
• Hands-on delivery of functional area transformation and change initiatives

The role acts as a thought partner with the functional BPO and SVP, ensuring day to day, business as usual Operational activities are fit for purpose, robust, and executed in a timely manner. The role also provides delivery of functional area projects as necessary to deliver transformation and change initiatives.

Accountabilities

• Maintain the functional business calendar ensuring preparation for critical business processes and meetings, such as LTP / MTP, SET and TA presentations
• Support scorecard development and drive quarterly tracking and reporting
• Support planning and coordination of annual budget and business planning cycle (e.g. MTP/LTP, RBU) in partnership with the BPO, Portfolio & Capacity Management team & Finance business partner
• Support CO2e and travel budget forecasting and tracking, ensuring adherence with agreed targets
• Support LT and F2F meeting planning and management
• Drive risk monitoring and mitigation planning
• Partner with HR and the Portfolio & Capacity Management team to support workforce planning/forecasting
• Partner with the functional Communication Lead to identify and deliver key functional engagements and events through appropriate channels
• Support the BPO with creation of presentation materials and reports as required
• Manage delivery of ad-hoc functional area projects as required

Essential Requirements

• BS/BA with 5+ years relevant experience
• Highly developed operational and project management skills
• Strategic problem solver able act independently and decisively to anticipate problems and implement solutions
• Strong analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Results/action-oriented
• Ability influence key stakeholders and drive for decisions and outcomes in a large organization
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills
• Developed negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Experience of working with senior leadership teams and stakeholders
• Able to thrive in a highly dynamic, fast paced, continuously changing global environment with minimal oversight/direction
• Confident presentation preparation and delivery skills
• Ability to travel internationally

Desirable Requirements

• Advanced degree
• Pharmaceutical, Oncology, or scientific background

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $119,664 to $179,496. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles).

Date Posted

16-Dec-2025

Closing Date

04-Jan-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.

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.