Senior Director Global Product Strategy - Lung Cancer Therapies

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Director Global Product Strategy - Lung Cancer Therapies
Company: BioNTech
Location: Mainz, Germany
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Global Product Strategy / Oncology Commercial Strategy
Date Posted: August 26, 2025
Experience Level: 8-12+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This pivotal role drives the global commercial strategy for BioNTech's lung cancer therapeutic portfolio, emphasizing new product planning and early commercialization.
• It requires deep oncology market insight and the ability to influence strategic direction from preclinical/early clinical stages through to launch readiness.
• The position is crucial for shaping the future of a high-priority solid tumor program with significant global potential.
• Success hinges on effective cross-functional collaboration with R&D, clinical, medical, and regulatory teams to inform development decisions and prepare for market entry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Director Global Product Strategy," the responsibilities and required experience strongly indicate a focus on early-stage commercial planning and strategic market assessment, rather than direct sales or marketing execution. The emphasis is on building the commercial foundation for future therapies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of global commercial strategy for the lung cancer portfolio, including indication prioritization and early-stage product positioning.
• Drive comprehensive new product planning activities, from preclinical and early clinical phases through registrational development, including Target Product Profile (TPP) shaping and unmet need assessment.
• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with R&D, clinical development, translational research, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs to integrate commercial perspectives into critical development decisions.
• Spearhead early launch readiness planning, with a strategic focus on evidence generation, market access considerations, and key stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Provide in-depth analysis and strategic insights into the US oncology market, ensuring alignment with global commercial objectives.
• Actively participate in and contribute to cross-functional governance processes, development strategy forums, and strategic scenario planning initiatives.
• Support external engagement activities, such as advisory boards and KOL discussions, in collaboration with medical and development leadership.
• Ensure cohesive portfolio progression by working collaboratively with internal teams to align scientific excellence with commercial ambitions for the lung cancer program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic, forward-looking approach to product development, requiring the candidate to act as a commercial strategist within the R&D and clinical development framework. The emphasis on "early commercialization" and "new product planning" suggests a focus on market shaping and value proposition development before the product is near launch.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or MBA) strongly preferred. Experience: 8-12+ years of relevant experience in oncology commercial strategy, new product planning, launch readiness, or asset strategy roles.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in developing and executing commercial strategies for oncology assets, particularly in solid tumors.
• Deep expertise in early-stage commercialization, including product concept shaping, indication assessment, and go-to-market strategy formulation.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with R&D, clinical development, and regulatory teams, understanding oncology clinical trial design and regulatory pathways.
• Strong understanding of biomarker-driven development strategies within oncology.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the US oncology landscape, including payer dynamics, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and competitive intelligence.
• Exceptional scientific acumen paired with a robust strategic mindset, capable of navigating ambiguity in pre-commercial environments.
• Experience in global or cross-regional roles, preferably within fast-paced biotech or oncology-focused companies.
• Proficiency in cross-functional team leadership and influencing without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to support scenario planning and strategic decision-making.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct or adjacent experience with lung cancer, head and neck cancer, or other relevant solid tumor indications.
• Experience with market access strategies and reimbursement considerations for novel oncology therapies.
• Familiarity with EU and other major global oncology markets beyond the US.
• Experience in building and presenting business cases for early-stage assets.
• Strong presentation and communication skills for articulating complex strategies to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 8-12+ years, coupled with the "Senior Director" title, suggests this role is for an experienced professional who can operate autonomously and lead strategic initiatives. The preference for advanced degrees indicates a need for strong scientific and analytical capabilities, essential for understanding complex oncology therapies and their market potential.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a history of successfully shaping and advancing early-stage oncology assets through strategic commercial planning.
• Showcase expertise in market landscape analysis, including competitive intelligence gathering and unmet need identification for novel therapies.
• Provide examples of developing compelling value propositions and target product profiles (TPPs) that align scientific innovation with commercial viability.
• Present evidence of influencing cross-functional teams and key stakeholders to drive strategic decision-making in product development planning.
• Illustrate experience in early launch readiness activities, including input into evidence generation strategies and market access planning.

Process Documentation:

• Documented experience in leading the development of commercial strategy frameworks for pre-launch assets.
• Evidence of creating market segmentation and targeting strategies based on scientific data and market insights.
• Portfolio examples that highlight contributions to TPP optimization, indication prioritization, and lifecycle management planning.
• Case studies demonstrating the integration of commercial insights into clinical trial design and evidence generation plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on "Global Product Strategy" and "New Product Planning," a portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking, market analysis, and cross-functional influence is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they've translated scientific data into actionable commercial strategies for early-stage assets, highlighting their impact on development decisions and future market positioning.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Director level, location in Germany, and the specialized nature of oncology product strategy within a leading biotech firm like BioNTech, the estimated annual base salary range in Germany would typically fall between €120,000 - €180,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration Packages: Reflecting the seniority and expertise required for the role.
• Wellbeing Support: Initiatives and resources focused on employee health and wellness.
• Diverse Employee Base: An inclusive work environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds.
• Specific benefits common in German biotech companies often include:
  • Company pension schemes (betriebliche Altersvorsorge)
  • Health and accident insurance contributions
  • Potential for performance-based bonuses
  • Generous paid time off (Urlaub)
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Relocation assistance if applicable

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically based on a full-time contract, which in Germany is often around 38-40 hours per week. Flexibility may be offered, but the role requires significant strategic input and cross-functional collaboration, suggesting a need for consistent availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for Senior Director roles in specialized fields like biotech oncology in Germany are competitive. The estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar positions in major German biotech hubs, considering BioNTech's standing and the critical nature of this strategic role. Benefits are standard for a large, established biotech company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Pharmaceuticals / Oncology Therapeutics. BioNTech is at the forefront of developing next-generation immunotherapies, particularly known for its mRNA technology. This means the company culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and highly focused on scientific advancement and patient impact. Company Size: BioNTech is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global presence, employing thousands of people worldwide. This scale offers stability and resources but also requires navigating larger organizational structures and processes. Founded: BioNTech was founded in 2008. Its rapid growth and success, particularly in the wake of its COVID-19 vaccine development, highlight a culture of agility, rapid innovation, and scientific ambition.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Director will likely operate within the Commercial organization, specifically within Global Product Strategy or Oncology Commercialization.
• This team will comprise experienced professionals in market analysis, product planning, and commercial strategy, with deep oncology expertise.
• The role will require close collaboration with counterparts in R&D (Clinical Development, Translational Research), Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and potentially Market Access and Commercial Operations.
• Reporting lines would typically be to a VP or Head of Global Product Strategy or a Commercial Lead for Oncology.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging scientific data, clinical trial outcomes, and market research to inform commercial strategies.
• Agile and iterative approach to strategy development, adapting to evolving scientific insights and market dynamics.
• Emphasis on rigorous analysis, scenario planning, and risk assessment for new product planning.
• Collaborative approach to strategy formulation, ensuring buy-in and alignment across diverse functional groups.
• Focus on scientific rigor and a deep understanding of the underlying biology and clinical pathways of cancer therapies.

Company Website: https://biontech.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: BioNTech's reputation as a rapidly growing, science-led biotech company suggests a culture that values innovation, speed, and scientific excellence. For an operations-focused candidate, understanding how commercial strategy integrates with R&D and clinical development processes is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior Director level, indicating significant leadership responsibility and strategic influence within the product lifecycle. It is a senior management position focused on guiding the commercial direction of a critical therapeutic area. Reporting Structure: The Senior Director will likely report to a Vice President or Head of Global Product Strategy or a similar senior commercial leadership role. They will manage a team or lead strategic initiatives that involve matrixed teams across R&D, clinical, medical, and regulatory functions. Operations Impact: The role's impact is profound, directly influencing the strategic direction of BioNTech's lung cancer pipeline. Success in this position will shape investment decisions in clinical development, evidence generation, and ultimately, the commercial success of future therapies, contributing significantly to the company's revenue growth and market position in oncology.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Vice President or Head of Global Product Strategy roles, or to broader commercial leadership positions within oncology or other therapeutic areas.
• Strategic Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific oncology indications, therapeutic modalities (e.g., mRNA), or commercial functions like market access and launch excellence.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead major cross-functional strategic initiatives or to take on broader portfolio management responsibilities.
• Global Exposure: Gain extensive experience in global market dynamics, regulatory environments, and diverse healthcare systems.
• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the future of lung cancer treatment through strategic product planning and market development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Director" title in a company like BioNTech signifies a substantial level of responsibility and impact. The growth opportunities are geared towards senior leadership within the commercial and strategic functions of a leading biotech organization, with potential for significant career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Mainz, Germany, suggesting an office-based environment within BioNTech's corporate facilities. Given the company's focus on innovation and collaboration, the workspace is likely modern, well-equipped, and designed to foster teamwork. Office Location(s): Mainz, Germany, with potential mention of Cambridge, US, and London, UK, indicating a global company with key operational hubs. For this specific role, the primary location listed is Mainz.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be conducive to strategic thinking, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Expect access to advanced analytical tools, market intelligence platforms, and presentation software.
• Opportunities for interaction with R&D, clinical development, medical affairs, and other commercial teams will be frequent, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The environment is expected to be dynamic, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the biotech industry and the critical importance of oncology therapies.
• The German location implies adherence to local labor laws and workplace standards.

Work Schedule: While a standard full-time schedule (e.g., 40 hours/week) is expected, the nature of global strategy and cross-functional collaboration may necessitate some flexibility to accommodate different time zones and project deadlines. The role requires proactive engagement and strategic input, so consistent availability is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment will be typical of a leading European biotech company – professional, science-driven, and collaborative. Candidates should expect to work closely with diverse teams and leverage sophisticated analytical tools to develop and communicate complex strategies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a VP or Head of Global Product Strategy) to delve deeper into experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of oncology markets.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from R&D, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, and potentially other commercial functions to evaluate collaboration skills and strategic alignment.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a strategy for a hypothetical or early-stage asset, or to discuss their approach to a specific market challenge. This is where portfolio examples will be crucial.
• Final Round/Senior Leadership: Interviews with senior leadership to assess strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit within BioNTech's executive team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight achievements with quantifiable results where possible (e.g., impact on TPP, influence on development decisions, market foresight).
• Strategic Narrative: Structure portfolio items as case studies that tell a story: the challenge, your strategy, the execution, and the outcome/impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Showcase instances where you successfully partnered with R&D, clinical, medical, and regulatory teams, demonstrating your ability to integrate diverse perspectives.
• Market Acumen: Include examples of your market analysis, competitive intelligence, and unmet needs assessments that informed strategic decisions.
• Early-Stage Focus: Emphasize your experience with new product planning, early commercialization, and lifecycle strategy for pre-launch assets.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to understand, and directly relevant to the responsibilities of the Senior Director role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Oncology Market Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss current trends, key players, and emerging scientific advancements in lung cancer.
• Product Strategy Framework: Understand common frameworks for new product planning and early commercial strategy development.
• Scenario Planning: Practice thinking through different development scenarios and their commercial implications.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Prepare examples of how you communicate complex strategies to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Value Proposition Development: Be ready to articulate how you would build a compelling value proposition for an early-stage oncology therapy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing not only strategic acumen but also the ability to collaborate effectively within a highly scientific and R&D-centric organization. A well-prepared portfolio demonstrating past successes in similar strategic roles is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managing sales, understanding CRM functionalities for market segmentation and stakeholder mapping (e.g., Salesforce, Veeva) is beneficial.
• Market Research & Analytics Platforms: Tools for competitive intelligence, epidemiology data, market sizing, and forecasting (e.g., IQVIA, Clarivate, EvaluatePharma, GlobalData).
• Presentation & Collaboration Software: Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word), Google Workspace, potentially collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating insightful dashboards and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in analyzing clinical trial data, epidemiological trends, and market access data.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into actionable commercial insights and strategic recommendations.
• Experience in developing and presenting business cases, market forecasts, and strategic plans.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how CRM and automation tools support commercial operations and data management, even if not directly using them for execution.
• Familiarity with data integration tools or principles to ensure seamless data flow between R&D, clinical, and commercial systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this isn't a direct "operations" role in the sense of managing CRM systems or sales ops processes, a strong understanding of the data and analytical tools used to inform commercial strategy is paramount. The ability to leverage market intelligence and translate data into strategic insights is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Scientific Rigor: Commitment to evidence-based decision-making and a deep understanding of the science behind the therapies.
• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive progress in a rapidly evolving field.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a highly collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated across functions.
• Patient Centricity: A core focus on improving patient outcomes and addressing unmet medical needs in oncology.
• Integrity & Excellence: Upholding the highest ethical standards and striving for excellence in all aspects of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Proactive engagement with R&D, Clinical, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and other commercial teams to ensure strategic alignment and shared success.
• Data-Driven Dialogue: Engaging in fact-based discussions, leveraging data and insights to build consensus and drive decision-making.
• Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication regarding strategic plans, potential challenges, and progress.
• Influence and Persuasion: Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels through compelling arguments and strategic vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: BioNTech's culture is likely to be highly collaborative and science-driven, reflecting its biotech roots. For a candidate in this role, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence across diverse functional groups will be critical for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working with early-stage assets where clinical data, regulatory pathways, and market dynamics are still evolving.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consensus and buy-in across multiple departments with potentially differing priorities.
• Competitive Landscape: Developing strategies in a highly competitive oncology market with rapid scientific advancements.
• Global Strategy Integration: Balancing global commercial objectives with regional market nuances and regulatory requirements.
• Pre-Commercial Environment: Building commercial strategy and readiness before a product is fully developed and approved.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Oncology Expertise: Deepen knowledge in lung cancer biology, treatment paradigms, and emerging therapeutic modalities.
• Strategic Planning Skills: Hone skills in new product planning, lifecycle management, and market entry strategy.
• Leadership Development: Gain experience in leading strategic initiatives and potentially managing teams.
• Industry Exposure: Attend key oncology conferences and engage with industry leaders to stay abreast of trends.
• Global Market Dynamics: Develop a nuanced understanding of diverse international healthcare systems and market access challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges will revolve around strategic decision-making in a dynamic, data-limited environment, requiring strong analytical skills and the ability to influence without direct authority. The growth opportunities are significant for those seeking to lead global commercial strategy in a cutting-edge biotech company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a global commercial strategy for an early-stage oncology asset." (Focus on market analysis, TPP shaping, indication prioritization, evidence strategy.)
• "How do you integrate scientific and clinical data with market insights to inform product development decisions?" (Highlight cross-functional collaboration with R&D and clinical teams.)
• "Walk me through a time you had to influence a cross-functional team to adopt your strategic recommendation for a product." (Demonstrate influencing skills and strategic communication.)
• "What are the key considerations for developing a launch readiness plan for a novel lung cancer therapy?" (Discuss evidence strategy, market access, stakeholder engagement.)
• "How do you assess and prioritize indications for a pipeline asset?" (Showcase analytical rigor and strategic framework.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about BioNTech's approach to oncology and our lung cancer pipeline?" (Research BioNTech's specific programs and strategic vision.)
• "How do you see yourself contributing to our collaborative, science-driven culture?" (Emphasize teamwork, scientific curiosity, and patient focus.)
• "How do you handle ambiguity and make decisions when faced with incomplete information?" (Highlight structured problem-solving and risk assessment.)
• "Describe your experience working with global teams and managing diverse stakeholder expectations." (Showcase cross-cultural communication and leadership.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a clear problem-solution-outcome framework for each portfolio example.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your strategies on development decisions or market positioning.
• Visual Aids: Utilize clean, professional slides that highlight key insights and strategic elements.
• Conciseness: Present information efficiently, focusing on the most relevant aspects of your contribution.
• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about how your strategic input drove value for the product and the company.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and the challenges you faced.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong analytical capabilities, cross-functional collaboration experience, and a deep understanding of the oncology market, particularly lung cancer. Be ready to articulate your strategic process and the impact of your contributions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent strategic position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the BioNTech online careers portal, including your CV, relevant certificates, and a motivation letter.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio or presentation highlighting your experience in global product strategy, new product planning, and oncology commercialization, specifically emphasizing your impact on early-stage asset development and cross-functional collaboration.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "oncology commercial strategy," "new product planning," "lung cancer," "solid tumors," "early-stage commercialization," and "cross-functional leadership." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic thought process, market analysis skills, and experience in influencing cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research BioNTech's mission, pipeline (especially in oncology), and recent achievements. Understand their approach to innovation and their position in the biotech landscape to articulate your alignment with their culture and goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.