Country Director, Ireland

About the role

AstraZeneca is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Country Director for Ireland. Reporting to the Area Vice‑President, you will join the Western and Southern Europe Leadership Team and be accountable for a $120 million business across four therapeutic areas.

Key responsibilities

• Set vision and strategy for the Irish market, aligning with corporate direction and driving profitable, sustainable performance.
• Hold full P&L accountability, overseeing financial and operational results.
• Lead external engagement with government, policymakers and healthcare stakeholders to shape market access.
• Translate long‑term vision into strategic and operational plans and guide execution.
• Prepare and lead the Ireland budget and planning process, including sales, cost and profit forecasts.
• Define and adjust short‑, medium‑ and long‑term business strategies in response to market changes.
• Oversee all Ireland operations – market access, marketing, sales, medical and other functions – ensuring compliance and efficient resource use.
• Optimise organisational structure, establish clear accountability and align with corporate strategy.
• Represent AstraZeneca publicly in Ireland, maintaining a positive reputation.
• Develop senior leaders, manage performance, and ensure succession planning.
• Embed a culture of ethics, integrity and compliance, partnering with Global Compliance.
• Accelerate the company’s AI agenda across the organisation.
• Contribute to the WESE Area Leadership Team, representing Ireland in regional strategy.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience with full P&L responsibility, preferably in the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector.
• Track record of managing a business of similar scale (approximately $120 million) and leading a team of around 100 employees.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with government, policymakers and healthcare system stakeholders.
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with experience translating vision into operational plans.
• Experience overseeing multiple functional areas including market access, marketing, sales and medical.
• Commitment to ethical conduct, compliance and fostering a culture of integrity.
• Ability to drive AI initiatives and digital transformation within a large organisation.

Required skills