Global Medical Head, Infectious Disease

About the role

To accomplish our goals and enable the best patient outcomes, we look for AZ BPM leaders to have five core capabilities and to act as role models for our AZ values.

These capabilities include: track record of building and maintaining a deep and continued connection to medical practice/healthcare delivery; collaborative/matrix management skills with a focus on leading diverse groups (e.g., cultural, geographical, functional) to achieve excellent results in shared goals; well-developed communication and influencing skills, with the ability to distill complexity down to what matters most to our stakeholders; an ability to think strategically and creatively; and, business acumen.

The Global Medical Head - ID shapes product and disease area strategy, drives product launches and life cycle management, provides strategic direction for evidence generation, education and publication, and engages extensively externally to further the scientific leadership of AZ.

It is a leadership position that reports directly to the Vice President, Franchise and Medical & Scientific Affairs (FMSA) and is responsible for all aspects of the global medical strategy and plan. The incumbent is a member of the FMSA leadership team, has direct reports, and is expected to develop a strong network with AZ colleagues in regions and countries.

What you'll do

• Accountable for the development and implementation of strategic medical plans at a global level, driving thinking around innovative evidence, confidence, and practice change initiatives
• Ensures global strategy is effectively communicated at regional and country levels, and that regional/country needs are appropriately accommodated
• Ensures effective collaboration with other key functions within BPM (e.g. Medical Excellence, Evidence Generation, Patient Centricity, Medical Information, Publications), across functions (e.g. Commercial, Pricing and Market Access, Research and Development) as well as with regions and markets
• Provides quality input to AZ planning and decision-making processes (e.g. Brand Strategic Plan, prioritized early assets, lifecycle management)
• Ensures operational effectiveness and efficiencies - delivery - through a continuous improvement approach; ensures that key performance indicators (KPIs) are developed and tracked
• Represents Medical in cross-functional and cross-departmental projects of special interest
• Ensures all V&I activities are carried out in compliance with AZ standards and standard operating procedures
• Has budget accountability for the team
• Coaches, mentors and performance manage direct reports, and takes an active role in succession and talent management
• Fosters a high-performance culture and a strong team spirit

Essential for the role

• MD, PhD or PharmD
• 7-10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, ideally in Medical Affairs, working at the country and global/regional level; strong academic experience in the infectious diseases (ID) space will also be considered
• Experienced team leader at a global/regional level, with a track record of establishing high-performance teams. Strong and demonstrable leadership skills are a pre-requisite
• Strategic and innovative thinker with executive presence
• Demonstrated track record delivering results in a complex matrix environment, building capabilities, and leading large scale impactful medical initiatives
• Strong analytical mind-set and ability to quickly assess large amounts of information and distil into key messages and actions

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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 285,872.80 - 428,809.20 Annual USD. 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.

Benefits offered include a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

• Date Posted
• 06-Nov-2026
• Closing Date
• 13-Nov-2026