Director, Health Systems, Oncology

At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to transforming the Canadian healthcare landscape through collaboration and innovation. Our Oncology Business Unit (OBU) Health Systems Strategy function in Canada is at the forefront of orchestrating multi-year strategies that revolutionize oncology care pathways. We aim to align with Canadian health priorities and AstraZeneca’s 2030 Transforming Care ambition. By focusing on removing structural barriers to equitable access and precision diagnostics, we strive to improve patient outcomes, strengthen health system resiliency, and deliver measurable impact. Join us in integrating Medical, Diagnostics, Patient Affairs, Market Access and Pricing, Health Systems Evidence, Digital/IT, Government/Public Affairs, and Commercial to achieve system-level outcomes.

As the Director, Health Systems, Oncology, you will be at the forefront of developing and implementing a comprehensive oncology systems and policy strategy. With a focus on Canadian priorities such as screening programs, guideline adoption, and precision diagnostics, you will set the standards for pathway mapping and co-design. This pivotal role involves brokering policy agreements, securing funding, and leading a national team to engage with key stakeholders across the healthcare landscape. Join us in accelerating sustainable, evidence-based, and equitable care.

Accountabilities

Steering Systems and Policy Strategy

• Define the multi-year OBU Transforming Care agenda tailored to Canadian oncology system barriers.

• Operationalize impactful policy priorities and set change-management strategies.

• Establish standards for pathway mapping and ensure alignment with Canadian guidelines.

External Partnerships and Care Pathway Leadership

• Engage thoughtfully with Canadian stakeholders through a structured plan.

• Lead working groups to map pathways and co-design solutions.

• Build partnerships to scale proven models across provinces.

Internal Cooperation and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Facilitate integration of the OBU Transforming Care strategy across functions.

• Develop frameworks for Canadian oncology health system innovation.

• Guide strategic exercises and regional action plans.

Team Leadership and People Development

• Lead a team of Regional System Specialists to position AstraZeneca as a partner of choice.

• Create processes for strategic account planning and performance monitoring.

Governance, Ethics, and Non-Promotional Standards

• Operate within non-promotional frameworks and ensure compliance with standards.

• Apply rules governing service agreements with third parties.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Advanced degree in a relevant field: Public Health/Health Management, Health Policy, Business Administration, Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, or related discipline.

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in health system transformation, oncology project/program management, access to care, precision medicine enablement, or health policy strategy within Canada; experience engaging provincial ministries, cancer agencies, hospital networks and health care institutional leadership is preferred.

• Enterprise strategy and cross-functional leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures and align multiple functions to a cohesive systems strategy.

• Health system innovation experience, including identifying Canadian trends, pathway barriers and unmet needs, developing and scaling pilots to sustainable solutions through appropriate contracting and measurement within provincial funding contexts.

• External engagement experience with Canadian health authorities, hospital leadership, provider networks, societies and patient associations; proven negotiation skills and representation in national forums and pan-Canadian collaboratives.

• Team leadership building high-performing teams focused on measurable impact and value for Canadian health systems and patients.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Strategic thinking and policy orchestration: Ability to map impactful oncology policy priorities in the Canadian healthcare context.

• Oncology pathway expertise: Understanding of Canadian oncology care pathways and precision medicine access.

• Program design and scaling: Proficiency in pathway mapping and performance gates.

• Evidence generation: Partnering with experts for insights that inform system decisions.

• Digital healthcare & AI: Define vision for digital health solutions that improve care delivery.

• Performance measurement: Build dashboards/data pipelines for best practices transfer.

• Collaboration and communication: Strong stakeholder management and training capability.

• Change management and risk: Develop change strategies and secure sponsorship across levels.

• Compliance and ethical standards: Adherence to non-promotional rules and data-sharing requirements.

• Language: Fluency in English required; proficiency in French strongly preferred.

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. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca is where innovation meets impact. We are driven by an entrepreneurial spirit that empowers us to take initiatives, speak up, and make a difference in the lives of those living with cancer. Our collaborative culture encourages everyone to bring their true selves to work as we strive for excellence together. With a focus on inclusion and diversity, we are committed to advancing societal change while building diverse teams internally. Join us on this journey as we lead the next wave of transformation in Oncology.

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 12 years

• Top 100 Employers Award

• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture

• Learn more about working with us in Canada

• View our YouTube channel

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing [email protected].

Ready to make your mark? Apply now to join our team at AstraZeneca!

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