MBA

We're all about opportunity.

While the majority of our MBAs are focused on the marketing aspects of our business, opportunities are available throughout AstraZeneca for MBA grads whose disciplines lie in marketing, finance, strategy, accounting, and more. There are 2 streams to AstraZeneca’s MBA programme; Commercial and Finance. What's more, our MBA programme will offer you every chance to hone your skills, develop your leadership potential and make valuable contributions to our business.

Having acquired an MBA is a remarkable goal achieved. Now, how about setting new goals that are equally exciting and rewarding? At AstraZeneca, people are doing that and reaching them. Every day.

AstraZeneca Global Commercial MBA Graduate Programme

AstraZeneca is an integrated, global and innovation-driven prescription-based biopharmaceutical business and has been among the strongest growing pharma companies in the world, ranked among the top 5 in revenue growth.

In the last 10 years, AstraZeneca has doubled its revenue from $15 billion to almost $33 billion, and our Emerging Markets business has grown from 6% of our global revenue to 13%.

The Global Commercial Organization (GCO) is the Sales and Marketing division of AstraZeneca, and drives commercial excellence across the globe. Active in over 100 countries, we have a growing presence in emerging markets, including China, Brazil, India, Russia, Turkey and Mexico.

The Challenge

Unmet medical need and advances in science, as well as expanding patient populations in Emerging Markets, present further exciting opportunities for growth. We continue to build on our leading positions in Established Markets, and our plans will take advantage of investments we have already made in Emerging Markets. In addition to commercializing the current and new product offerings being developed internally, we aim to drive further growth by selectively supplementing our Emerging Markets portfolio with branded generic products sourced externally and marketed under the AstraZeneca brand.

CEO David Brennan states:

"We know what it will take to continue to deliver a strong performance over the next five years. While new products will play a role, many of the ingredients for continuing our momentum can be found in our current product range. Effective lifecycle management and commercial excellence in support of key growth products such as SymbicortTM, CrestorTM and SeroquelTM should continue to drive top-line growth. This will give us the potential to grow sales in line with projected market growth, and, in conjunction with continued cost discipline, the delivery of earnings growth ahead of sales is within our reach."

In this exciting period of change within the Pharmaceutical Industry, our GCO MBA Program aims to recruit a select number of world-class MBA graduates each year to supplement our Talent Pipeline and provide a source of commercially astute, innovative and exceptional future leaders who can help us meet these commercial challenges.

What's in it for You?

The GCO MBA Programme seeks to match the development needs of our talented participants with the actual business needs of the company to produce "real" hands-on jobs from the start. We offer a thorough grounding within an organization known for its world-class excellence in Sales and Marketing execution and high levels of people performance and engagement.

Entry roles will often depend on experience prior to your MBA and will be tailored to meet development needs. They will generally offer the opportunity to contribute immediately in meaningful roles while learning more about AstraZeneca and the pharmaceutical industry (where appropriate). Roles will tend to be located in sites where language ability can be applied, within the Sales/Marketing or Finance functions, in one of our country sales offices, or a regional/central office.

Rotations to the next role can occur every 18-24 months in this fast-track career path, which aims to give a rapid induction into the commercial organization and ensure that existing knowledge and skills are supplemented as needed. Further international opportunities will be made available to those who continue to show excellent performance and potential for the most senior roles.

Keeping your career on track

Throughout your career, you will have regular opportunities to review your progress towards the achievement of challenging objectives and towards your individual development plan. You will receive both formal and informal feedback, and your performance and progress will be monitored centrally by senior management.

What we are looking for

We are looking for talented people who wish to pursue an international career in operational sales and marketing, with the potential and ambition to become Senior Commercial or Finance Leaders within the Country Sales and Marketing Companies of our global Commercial organization.

This is a high-profile career track that requires individuals with strong business sense and practical experience. Your ability to innovate, lead and communicate effectively with senior management will make you a highly visible and sought-after individual within the company.

Success factors

You will need an MBA in Strategy, Marketing or Finance from a Top 20 Business School, 5+ years of prior operational sales, marketing, market access or Finance experience, and fluency in two or more languages for this global career track. International mobility will also further enhance future career opportunities. In addition, you will:

• Have strong commercial and strategic acumen and analytical skills
• Have a track record of high impact within previous organizations
• Have the ability to lead and inspire, communicate well and influence
• Be a team player with energy, self-motivation and a clear interest in working in the pharmaceutical industry
• Have high personal integrity and be willing to work operationally
• Have a real desire to make a difference with relentless drive to deliver value

FAQ

What types of roles will be available to me in the MBA Program?

Since the program is tailored to the individual, your first role will depend on your experience and the development needed to be able to reach a senior management position, as well as the available opportunities.

What is the Application Process?

The MBA programme is currently not open for applications.

What should my application include?

As well as your CV, it would be helpful for you to describe your motivations, career aspirations and any geographical preferences, as well as any examples of where you believe you have shown great impact, judgment, drive or influence within previous organizations.

How does the Selection Process work?

Your profile will be screened against the criteria mentioned, and where there is a good fit, a member of the MBA Program Team will contact you to discuss your career preferences and the next steps involved in the selection process.

Can I apply if I have not yet completed my MBA?

Yes – please clearly indicate the year and month of graduation.

I am seeking an Internship – can I apply here?

We do not currently have a centralized internship program.

What are the application timelines for the MBA Program?

Main recruitment activity occurs between September and June for new joiners to start between January and October each year. If you apply January to June, your application will be considered for the current year. When you apply outside this period (i.e. July to December), applications will normally be considered for vacancies in the following year.

I have an MBA and am interested in other possible opportunities within AstraZeneca – how do I apply?

CLICK HERE for details of other vacancies in other part of AstraZeneca. Note that you will need to select the country in which you are interested in working.