Director, Business Unit – Ireland

About the role

The Business Unit Director (BUD) is the most senior Business Unit leadership role within AstraZeneca Ireland. Reporting directly to the Country President, the BUD leads both Sales and Marketing, holds full P&L responsibility and drives the strategic growth of the portfolio across cardiovascular, respiratory or oncology therapeutic areas.

Key responsibilities

• Define and articulate a long‑term strategic vision for AZ brands, identifying market changes and new growth opportunities.
• Lead transformation initiatives, implementing innovative business models and digital technologies.
• Prepare the organization for upcoming product launches, ensuring market readiness and internal launch execution.
• Build and maintain strong internal relationships across global, regional and local teams, and manage external alliances and key stakeholder engagements.
• Develop and execute brand strategies and marketing plans, overseeing operational delivery across the market.
• Create local business plans aligned with global strategy, set sales forecasts and targets, and monitor performance against KPIs.
• Lead talent development, resource allocation, succession planning and recruitment for the Business Unit.
• Manage operational sales and marketing budgets, and proactively assess commercial, compliance and reputational risks.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, with full P&L accountability.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to drive change across complex, cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, both internally and with external partners.
• Demonstrated track record of successful product launches and market growth.
• Ability to lead talent development and build high‑performing teams.

Required skills