Lead – Business Operations, Global Oncology

Role Overview and Purpose

The Lead for Business Operations in Global Oncology is a pivotal figure responsible for steering launch excellence and developing early access strategies across small to mid-sized markets without dedicated in-country oncology leadership. This role partners strategically and operationally with the Head of Global Commercial Oncology, facilitating organizational readiness, ensuring optimal resource allocation, and executing commercial infrastructure such as CRM and analytics platforms. It also provides governance support, aids in decision-making, and helps align cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute launch strategies for oncology products targeting small to mid-sized markets.
• Create scalable and repeatable go-to-market frameworks customized for distributor-driven or hybrid market models.
• Develop and manage early access programs including Named Patient Programs, compassionate use initiatives, and managed access agreements.
• Collaborate with Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, and Supply teams to enable timely market entry and establish launch readiness frameworks with defined KPIs.
• Identify and prioritize new markets lacking oncology presence; formulate entry playbooks selecting appropriate partnership models.
• Support distributor partner selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance evaluation ensuring local activities align with global brand strategies.
• Lead CRM system implementation and optimization (e.g., Veeva, Salesforce Health Cloud), standardize commercial processes, dashboards, and reporting for improved data-driven decision-making.
• Drive commercial excellence through sales force effectiveness, omnichannel engagement, and digital enablement tools.
• Collaborate on organizational readiness by shaping target operating models, hiring, role design, capability frameworks, and training programs especially focused on distributor markets.
• Manage commercial budgets and resource distribution aligned with market potential and strategic priorities, tracking return on investment for launches and initiatives.
• Participate in strategic planning, governance, and act as deputy advisor supporting global oncology commercial strategies, cross-functional governance, and stakeholder alignment.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Market Access, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure integrated execution.
• Monitor and analyze the competitive landscape and market insights to inform strategic decisions and benchmark industry best practices.
• Ensure all commercial activities comply with global and local regulations, identifying and mitigating risks associated with distributor-led and early access programs.

Key Success Metrics

• Successful oncology asset launches in emerging markets.
• Reduction in time to market for non-core regions.
• Effective CRM adoption and implementation.
• Achievement of early access objectives.
• Compliance with budget and maximization of ROI.
• Distributor performance and expanded market footprint.

Stakeholder Engagement

• External relationships with oncology key opinion leaders, treatment centers, societies, networks, strategic partners, and service providers.
• Internal collaboration with regional and country commercial leadership, global oncology franchise teams, and departments including Medical Affairs, Market Access, Regulatory, Finance, and Supply Chain.

Desired Experience and Qualifications

• Educational qualifications: MBA or master’s degree in business, life sciences, or related disciplines preferred.
• Experience: 12 to 15+ years in pharmaceutical or biotech sectors with strong expertise in innovative oncology, including global or regional commercial roles.
• Proven success in launch excellence, emerging markets, or distributor-led market environments.
• Previous country-level or franchise leadership exposure is highly regarded.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth understanding of oncology market access and early access pathways.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms such as Veeva and Salesforce Health Cloud.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within complex matrix organizations and cross-functional teams.
• Capable of navigating ambiguity and initiating market structures in evolving environments.
• Strong stakeholder management, influence, communication, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with strong ownership and high ethical standards emphasizing compliance.