Description
Research & Development Strategy Lead
About Astellas
At Astellas we are a progressive health partner, delivering value and outcomes where needed.
We pursue innovative science, focussing initially on the areas of greatest potential and then developing solutions where patient need is high, often in rare or under-served disease areas and in life-threatening or life-limiting diseases and conditions.
We work directly with patients, doctors and health care professionals on the front line to ensure patient and clinical needs are guiding our development activities at every stage.
Our global vision for Patient Centricity is to support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience. At Astellas, Patient Centricity isn’t a buzzword - it’s a guiding principle for action. We believe all staff have a role to play in creating a patient-centric culture and integrating an awareness of the patient into our everyday working practices, regardless of our role, team or division.
We work closely with regulatory authorities and payers to find new ways to ensure access to new therapies. We deliver the latest insights and real-world evidence to inform the best decisions for patients and their care-givers, to ensure the medicines we develop continue to provide meaningful outcomes.
Beyond medicines, we support our stakeholder communities to drive initiatives that improve awareness, education, access and ultimately standards of care.
The Opportunity
As R&D Strategy Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Astellas’ research and development strategy. Reporting to the Head of R&D Strategy and Operations, this position serves as a key integrator and facilitator across the CRDO (Chief Research & Development Officer) organization. You will help define and implement strategic roadmaps, manage decision-making bodies, and ensure operational excellence to support Astellas’ long-term innovation agenda.
Hybrid Working
At Astellas we recognise the importance of balancing your work and home life, so we offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues in person at the office alongside the flexibility to work from home; optimising the most productive work environment for you to succeed and deliver.
Responsibilities
* Act as a thought partner to the CRDO and Head of R&D Strategy and Operations to realize the CRDO vision.
* Develop and implement research strategic roadmaps aligned with corporate strategic plans (CSP).
* Provide advisory and PMO services to divisions under CRDO.
* Manage strategic, organizational, and operational initiatives portfolio.
* Create and maintain integrated reporting to drive decisions on organizational and project operations.
* Lead process improvement strategies, IT platforms, and governance frameworks for CRDO divisions.
* Coach and mentor junior research strategy team members
Essential Knowledge & Experience
* Strong strategic thinking and ability to partner with senior leadership.
* Scientific background to credibly engage with research leadership.
* Business expertise to design and maintain operating models (org structure, budget, talent management).
* Proven leadership and project management skills.
* Excellent communication skills in English and ability to facilitate senior-level discussions.
Education
* PhD or equivalent advanced degree.
Preferred Skills & Knowledge
* Experience of working in a global organization.
* Experience in pharmaceutical R&D strategy or operations.
Additional Information
* This is a full-time, permanent role.
* This role is located in United Kingdom.
* This role follows a hybrid working model, blending home-based work with a minimum of 1 day per quarter in the office (to be confirmed based on primary location and business need). Flexibility may be required in line with business needs.
* This position may require occasional international travel.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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