My Career - Meet the Team

Jan - Head of Medical Affairs, Oncology

Since joining AstraZeneca 6 years ago, both my role and understanding of AstraZeneca’s business needs have evolved noticeably.

A significant part of that progress can be attributed to the experiences my role has brought and the understanding, support and flexibility I’ve received from both the company and my team – especially while studying for a PhD.

One of AstraZeneca’s biggest strengths lies in our ability to work together - no matter how big the challenge. This is a feeling that’s filtered down to every person in the company. My team, for example, has partnered with other teams across the organisation to overcome a number of complex challenges.

Over the years, this collaborative approach has also enhanced our reputation in the minds of our customers, as an oncology healthcare company who genuinely want to understand and address the needs of patients taking our products and those who treat them. It’s something I’m extremely proud of.

As to the future, things are rapidly changing, but I’m excited about it - especially as a large proportion of AstraZeneca’s pipeline is in oncology. It’s going to be challenging and require new ways of understanding cancer, due to the complexity of the disease. However, it is something that AstraZeneca are committed to and it’s encouraging to know my team will play a central role in that journey.

Dana - Scientific Affairs Manager

Moving country can be tough. But thanks to the support I received from the people here and at home in Canada, the experience was a positive one. Not least because of the people I work with, but because I was determined to rise to the challenges my new role presented.

The opportunity came at just the right time. I was ready to take on bigger responsibilities and AstraZeneca helped make it possible. Rather than work in medical information alone, they gave me the opportunity to work cross-functionally with teams on brand projects and promotional materials.  

I’ve been here for 3.5 years now and love the challenges my role as a Scientific Affairs Manager brings. I feel I can really add value to my relationships in the medical industry while enjoying the support of some fantastic people and the collaboration of team members in the company.

I travel a lot, which can be demanding on my personal life, but days off in lieu and having the option to work from home keep me grounded. I also get great satisfaction from training for triathlons and cycling to work, something made easier as a result of the gym memberships and shower facilities AstraZeneca provides. They also support various sporting initiatives, which are a great way to bring people together from all areas of the business.

Doris - National Sales Manager – Hospital

The world has been my oyster since joining AstraZeneca. Starting as a Sales Representative in Melbourne, I moved into a Sales Manager role in Sydney before becoming an Associate Brand Manager in cardiovascular. But it was the 2.5 years I spent in the UK as a Hospital Sales Manager that really clinched my career.

Returning to Australia as National Sales Manager in a dynamic Business Unit, I’ve gone from strength to strength as a result of the challenges I’ve faced and how I’ve dealt with them. Countless cross-functional projects have taught me about different areas of the company, whilst external training opportunities have exposed me to the world outside AstraZeneca. I’ve had the benefit of talking to and learning from different people in other industries, which I believe has helped shaped my success.

My biggest motivation in my role is knowing that mentally ill patients can lead better lives because of the products we promote. I’m grateful for the experience I’ve gained and proud of what I’ve accomplished.

“AstraZeneca is a company that knows its talent and works to build on that talent.”

Kieran - GP Sales Representative & Rookie of the Year 2009

As a medical science graduate who loves science, enjoys interacting with people and is always up for a challenge, applying for a GP Sales Representative role at AstraZeneca made perfect sense.

And I’m glad I did. Since I started, I’ve found AstraZeneca really want me to succeed. No matter what area I want to grow in, I know there are people behind my decision and a plan behind my progress.

I’m grateful that AstraZeneca has agreed to fund half my MBA and will allow me study days off. Just as I’m grateful that my opinion is appreciated, that I can bring ideas to senior management knowing they’ll be heard, and that the sales team are really valued. AstraZeneca ensures we have great products to promote and the resources available to help us promote them – this is invaluable to a sales professional’s job.

I’m a passionate person, so it feels really good to have that recognised and my achievements rewarded. In fact, winning Rookie of the Year really drove that message home for me and proved that AstraZeneca is a place where the driven succeed and people support each other.

Alistair - IT Service Delivery Manager

When I moved into my current position, I’d never managed before. AstraZeneca put me on a management training program where I was fortunate enough to meet a manager from another area of the business who became my mentor. As someone I lent on heavily, my mentor helped me through some very tough learning curves, while a refresher course and Diploma of Management (paid for by AstraZeneca) gave me the confidence to succeed.  

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the ongoing support and training I’ve received along the way.

If one thing’s not changed in my 9 years here, it’s AstraZeneca’s great family feel. When my son was just 9 months old, I took 3 months’ paid leave to look after him while my wife went back to work. My team understood my circumstances and were happy to share my responsibilities. That’s something I love the most about AstraZeneca – the very real respect everyone has for the people they work with.