📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager
🔹 Company: AstraZeneca
🔹 Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals
🔹 Date Posted: May 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Conducting market research to understand customers and the environment
- Formulating and implementing marketing strategies to support sales objectives
- Building key external expert (KEE) advocacy and demonstrating high product knowledge
- Tracking business performance and managing budgets
- Adapting quickly in a dynamic, VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong balance of analytical and strategic thinking, as well as excellent communication skills to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Conduct market research to understand customers and the environment
✅ Formulate and implement marketing strategies to support sales objectives
✅ Build KEE advocacy and demonstrate high product knowledge in the therapy area
✅ Track and analyze business performance and manage budgets
✅ Deliver key insights and recommendations in a VUCA environment
✅ Prepare Business Strategic Plan, Execution Plan, and Business Review Updates
✅ Establish commercial readiness for new product and indication launches
✅ Responsible for accurate demand forecast
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and stakeholder management, requiring a versatile skill set.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Science or Marketing
Experience: Proven experience in pharmaceutical sales and marketing
Required Skills:
- Fluency in English with strong communication skills
- Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic learning environment
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the pharmaceutical industry or relevant field
- Knowledge of the local healthcare market and regulatory environment
ASSUMPTION: While the job listing does not specify preferred qualifications, industry experience and local market knowledge would be highly beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for mid-senior level pharmaceutical marketing roles in Malaysia, the estimated salary range is MYR 80,000 - 120,000 per annum.
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- Dynamic and inclusive work environment
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM), with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AstraZeneca operates in the competitive pharmaceutical industry, focusing on biopharmaceuticals and innovation to improve patient outcomes.
Company Size: AstraZeneca is a large, global organization with over 75,000 employees, providing a diverse and collaborative work environment.
Founded: AstraZeneca was founded in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc.
Company Description:
- AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines
- The company has a portfolio of medicines for cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection, and neuroscience diseases
- AstraZeneca aims to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines that address some of the most serious diseases faced by patients worldwide
Company Specialties:
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Global business operations
- Innovation and collaboration with external partners
Company Website: www.astrazeneca.com
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's size and global presence offer applicants opportunities for career growth and international exposure.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager reports directly to the Marketing Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, medical affairs, and market access.
Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site, with occasional flexibility for remote work or adjusted hours as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior marketing roles or other leadership positions within AstraZeneca
- Expanding product knowledge and therapeutic area expertise
- Developing skills in strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's large size and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art facilities
Office Location(s): Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Geographic Context:
- Petaling Jaya is a major city in the Klang Valley, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The city is well-connected by public transportation, with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Petaling Jaya has a tropical rainforest climate, with warm and humid weather year-round
Work Schedule: Standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM), with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed.
ASSUMPTION: Petaling Jaya's urban setting and vibrant culture provide a dynamic backdrop for AstraZeneca's operations.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and/or other stakeholders
- Final interview or assessment, if required
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment
- Cultural fit and alignment with AstraZeneca's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your market research, strategic planning, and stakeholder management experiences
- Demonstrate your passion for the pharmaceutical industry and AstraZeneca's mission during the interview
ATS Keywords: Market research, marketing strategy, sales support, product knowledge, business performance, budget management, demand forecasting, communication skills, adaptability, flexibility
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's application process is competitive, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Veeva)
- Market research tools (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar, IMS Health)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the team and projects.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Patient-centricity
- Science-driven
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Innovation
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
- Adaptability and resilience in the face of change
- Data-driven decision-making and continuous learning
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate patient-centricity in your work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt quickly to a significant change in your role or environment?
- How do you approach collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives?
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a patient-centric approach to drug discovery and development.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Navigating a large, global organization with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Keeping up with the latest market trends and regulatory changes in the pharmaceutical industry
- Adapting to new products, indications, or therapeutic areas as they become available
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the dynamic and evolving nature of the pharmaceutical industry and AstraZeneca's global operations.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Brand Manager vs. Product Manager: Both roles focus on marketing and commercialization, but the Brand Manager has a more strategic focus on the brand's overall success, while the Product Manager is responsible for the product's lifecycle and tactical execution
- Pharmaceutical industry context: AstraZeneca's Brand Manager role is focused on biopharmaceuticals, requiring a strong understanding of the industry's regulatory environment and market dynamics
- Career path comparison: The Brand Manager role can lead to senior marketing roles, marketing directors, or other leadership positions within AstraZeneca or the broader pharmaceutical industry
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their long-term career goals and how this role aligns with their desired path in the pharmaceutical industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting market research to identify customer needs and preferences for a new product launch
- Developing and implementing a marketing strategy to support sales objectives for an existing product
- Tracking and analyzing business performance metrics to optimize resource allocation and improve overall brand performance
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the Brand Manager's responsibilities but may vary depending on the specific products, therapeutic areas, or market conditions.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the broader marketing organization?
- How does AstraZeneca support the professional development and career growth of its employees?
- Can you provide an example of a time when the company demonstrated its commitment to innovation and collaboration?
- How does AstraZeneca approach commercial readiness for new product and indication launches?
- What is the expected timeline for performance reviews and feedback for this role?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, as well as demonstrate their interest and engagement during the interview.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your market research, strategic planning, and stakeholder management experiences
- Demonstrate your passion for the pharmaceutical industry and AstraZeneca's mission during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
