BUD, Rare Disease

JOB Title

Business Unit Director

Job Location

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

ROLE SUMMARY

At AstraZeneca we believe in the potential of our people and that you’ll develop beyond what you thought possible. We make the most of your skills and passion by actively supporting you to see what you can achieve no matter where you start with us.

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. AstraZeneca is one of only a handful of pure-play biopharmaceutical companies to span the entire value chain of a medicine from discovery, early- and late-stage development to manufacturing and distribution, and the global commercialisation of primary care and specialty care medicines that transform lives. Our primary focus is on key areas of healthcare: Oncology; Cardiovascular and Renal Metabolic disease (CVRM) and Respiratory + Immunology – and Rare Disease.

The Business Unit Director (BUD) leads the strategic and operational direction of the business for Saudi Arabia. This role is responsible for driving business growth, shaping market access strategies, and leading the team to deliver ambitious objectives while upholding AstraZeneca’s values, compliance standards, and commitment to patient-centricity.

What you’ll do

• Develop and execute the business strategy in alignment with local market needs and AstraZeneca’s regional/global priorities, ensuring sustainable growth and market leadership.
• Lead, inspire, and develop the business unit team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and ethical standards.
• Oversee the implementation of commercial, medical, and market access plans to optimize the portfolio’s success in Saudi Arabia.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, payers, patient organizations, and key opinion leaders.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between medical, marketing, sales, government affairs, and market access teams to ensure unified objectives and outcome delivery.
• Analyze market trends, assess business risks and opportunities, and adapt strategies as needed to ensure timely and effective decision-making.
• Ensure business unit compliance with AstraZeneca’s internal policies, the Saudi FDA, and other regulatory or ethical requirements.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation for maximum impact and efficiency.
• Serve as a role model of AstraZeneca’s values, leadership capabilities, and dedication to making a difference for patients in the Kingdom.

Essential for the role

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, or a related field; MBA or postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Significant leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a proven track record of success in sales, marketing, or business management (minimum 8–10 years preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Deep knowledge of the Saudi healthcare and regulatory landscape.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and financial acumen, with experience in business planning,
• P&L management, and decision-making at a senior level.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic language skills are highly desirable.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram  

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.