Position Summary
The Portfolio External Insights Director owns the analysis and framing of the R&D portfolio and its metrics, bringing together two lenses: rigorous R&D productivity analysis and benchmarking, and an outside-in view of how the pipeline is assessed externally — drawing on broker and analyst research, consensus estimates, and third-party data. Its purpose is to make that outside-in perspective visible in portfolio decision-making, so that external pressure points are properly weighed.
The Director translates complex data into a clear, evidence-based view that equips senior leadership to make the best portfolio decisions and underpins how the pipeline is presented externally. Key stakeholders include R&D Finance & Portfolio Value, Portfolio Decision Sciences, R&D leadership (up to SVP), pipeline reporting and benchmarking teams, R&D Strategy, and Investor Relations. The role also engages in decision science and analytics work with the Oncology and R&I teams.
Key Responsibilities
- R&D & Pipeline Analytics: Lead analysis and interpretation of the R&D portfolio in partnership with pipeline reporting and R&D benchmarking teams — drawing on shared data and benchmarks, aligning on definitions, and building the analytical layer that informs both portfolio decision-making and external R&D communications. Set internal performance against an external reference point so the portfolio is always assessed in outside-in context.
- Outside-In Perspective & External Pressure Points: Synthesise the outside-in view — from broker and analyst research, consensus expectations, competitor positioning, and external benchmarks, present that view neutrally, ensuring external pressure points are surfaced to decision-makers and actively considered. Extend this into competitive and market insight that supports the broader portfolio team’s strategic planning.
- External Evidence Base & Data Sources: Own the selection, interpretation, and appropriate use of external data sources — broker and analyst research, consensus estimates, competitor disclosures, and third-party benchmarking platforms — ensuring the team draws on the best available evidence, understands each source’s construction and limitations, and applies it consistently across the company and peers.
- R&D Productivity Analysis & Metrics: Develop and maintain R&D productivity metrics that inform portfolio decisions and the external view of R&D performance — applying transparent, consistent methodologies that treat the company and peers on the same basis, and proactively surfacing limitations so that leaders can judge the strength of evidence themselves.
- Decision Science & Analytics Project Support: Hands-on decision science and analytics work with the Oncology and R&I Decision Science teams, applying portfolio-analytical and quantitative skills to priority projects. Actively upskill the organisation on external analytics — building capability in interpreting and applying external data sources, benchmarks, and competitive intelligence across disease-area teams, so that external insight becomes embedded in how project teams frame and evaluate their work.
- Stakeholder Management: Serve as the trusted, impartial point of contact for portfolio analytics across R&D Finance & Portfolio Value, Portfolio Decision Sciences, R&D leadership (up to SVP), pipeline reporting and benchmarking teams, R&D Strategy, and Investor Relations — building stakeholder networks, coordinating cross-matrix work, resolving conflicting data requests, and holding a neutral line where functions take differing views of the same data.
- R&D Narrative Generation: Co-develop the R&D and pipeline narrative for external audiences — drafting executive presentations, board papers, long-term strategy documents, and investor communications — grounded in the same evidence base as internal decision-making, keeping the external story and internal view consistent.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biological sciences, pharmacology, another biomedical discipline, or a relevant quantitative / financial field.
- Progressive experience in biopharma R&D/portfolio analytics, decision science, Investment Banking, or Investor Relations, gained within a pharmaceutical company or healthcare consulting/investment environment.
- Deep expertise in pharmaceutical R&D processes and workflows (discovery through commercialisation) and in pipeline / portfolio analytics.
- Exceptional ability to translate complex data into clear insights and narratives for technical and executive audiences — acting as a strategic thought partner to R&D and Finance leaders, and presenting evidence in a way that allows leaders to reach their own conclusions.
- Demonstrated intellectual independence and objectivity — able to present an outside-in view counter to internal expectations, represent external opinion without advocacy, and hold a neutral line under pressure from senior stakeholders.
- Hands-on quantitative / decision-science analytics capability, with the ability to contribute directly to disease-area analytics projects (e.g. Oncology, R&I) alongside the external-insight remit.
- Proven track record of driving high-impact deliverables, building stakeholder networks, and coordinating complex cross-matrix work across Portfolio, R&D, Finance, and IR.
- Expert-level knowledge of the external evidence base — broker and analyst research, consensus estimates, and competitive intelligence and benchmarking platforms — including how each source is constructed, where it misleads, and how the investment community draws on it to assess pipelines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (e.g. Master’s, Ph.D., MBA) in a relevant scientific, quantitative or business field.
- Awareness of emerging trends in healthcare and life-sciences analytics and in external data provision.
- Strong understanding of biopharma corporate strategy, business development, finance, and the drivers of equity valuation and investor sentiment.
- Familiarity with R&D benchmarking (e.g. KMR/CMR) advantageous.
Work Arrangements:
This role offers a hybrid working model, with a mix of on-site and remote work. Fully remote or home-working arrangements are not available for this role.
Closing Date for Applications – 13 October 2026 EOD
Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.
When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.
#LI-Hybrid
Skills
Analytical Models, Benchmarking, Competitive Insights, Competitive Intelligence (CI), Customer Insights, Data to Insights, Digital Fluency, Executive Presenting, Financial Valuation, Influencing Without Authority, Investment Banking, Investor Relations, Leadership, Market Insights, Market Knowledge, Portfolio Analysis, Portfolio Assessment, Portfolio Performance Analysis, Portfolio Strategies, Quantitative Data, R&D Strategy, Scientific Literacy, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Insights
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