Country Director, Ireland

About the Role

AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on scientific innovation to develop transformative medicines, is searching for an outstanding Country Director for Ireland. This key leadership position is central to the company’s growth strategies in Western and Southern Europe, overseeing a business valued at approximately $120 million and managing an organization of 100 professionals across four therapeutic areas.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and execute the strategic vision for the Ireland market, ensuring alignment with AstraZeneca’s overarching corporate goals and promoting profitable and sustainable growth.
• Maintain full P&L responsibility for the Irish marketing entity, ensuring achievement of financial and operational objectives.
• Engage externally with government bodies, policymakers, and health system stakeholders to influence local access policies consistent with corporate affairs strategies.
• Translate corporate vision into actionable strategic and operational plans and oversee their implementation.
• Lead the Irish budget and planning processes, including sales, cost, and profitability forecasting, collaborating with local leadership and the broader WESE area.
• Continuously assess and adjust business strategies to reflect market, commercial, and financial changes.
• Manage all operational areas including market access, marketing, sales, and medical affairs, ensuring resource efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Optimize organizational structure and performance, establishing clear accountability aligned with business needs.
• Represent AstraZeneca as the senior company figure in Ireland, maintaining a positive external reputation.
• Develop and oversee senior leadership performance, talent development, and succession planning.
• Promote a culture emphasizing ethics, integrity, and compliance with partnership from global compliance teams.
• Collaborate with healthcare partners to advance patient care transformation.
• Drive the integration and adoption of AI initiatives across the organization.
• Actively contribute to the Western and Southern Europe (WESE) Leadership Team, influencing regional priorities.

Key Leadership Activities

• Develop bold strategies with a focus on sustainable growth, integrating economic, societal, and environmental criteria.
• Set precise performance goals driving the organization toward enhanced outcomes with accountability and agility.
• Leverage digital tools and data analytics to improve operational effectiveness and long-term enterprise value.
• Balance organizational change pace to ensure achievable goals and successful implementation.
• Make informed, data-supported decisions taking calculated risks and adapting in uncertain environments.
• Foster an innovative culture with psychological safety to encourage creative problem-solving and scalable business solutions.
• Attract, retain, and develop diverse talent while cultivating an inclusive environment that promotes growth and engagement.
• Apply sound judgment balancing speed and thoroughness, integrating various perspectives in complex decision-making scenarios.
• Build strong external partnerships to co-create value and strategically position AstraZeneca in healthcare policy discussions.
• Motivate internal and external stakeholders through clear, compelling communication driven by patient-centric storytelling and digital outreach.

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven track record leading commercial organizations with P&L responsibility in small to medium countries or large business units.
• In-depth expertise in one or more therapeutic areas including oncology, preferably with product launch experience.
• Experience developing and executing therapeutic area or brand strategies with strong scientific and patient-centric orientation.
• Skilled in engaging collaboratively with government, regulatory, and external healthcare stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability managing complex risks within large organizations and building risk awareness cultures.
• Experience building high-performing teams and optimal organizational cultures.
• Expertise leading cross-functional teams aligned to multifaceted strategic goals.
• Evidence of progressive career growth and adaptability to increasing scale and complexity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the Irish healthcare market.
• Experience with global marketing and strategic roles.
• International professional exposure through living or working abroad.

Additional Information

This opportunity offers a chance to lead Austria’s growth market segment at a transformative juncture. AstraZeneca is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment where all applicants are welcomed and accommodations are provided as needed during the recruitment process.

Dates

Date Posted: 28-Jul-2026
Application Deadline: 14-Aug-2026