About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered breakthroughs in treating HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Our innovative therapies have transformed lives, from groundbreaking HIV treatments like Biktarvy to advanced oncology solutions and novel therapies for inflammatory conditions. Headquartered in the U.S. with a global presence, Gilead employs thousands of passionate professionals committed to scientific discovery, patient access, and bold ambitions. In Italy, we are expanding our impact in oncology, focusing on solid tumors and breast cancer to deliver life-changing medicines.

Role Overview

The Senior Oncology Business Unit Director role in Milan, Italy, reports directly to the General Manager and leads all commercial activities for Gilead's Oncology portfolio. This high-impact position defines success through growing the current business via existing indications while preparing for future launches. You will manage a team of marketing and sales professionals, lead cross-functional teams, and contribute to Italy's local leadership team. As a key player in Gilead's mission, you will drive operational excellence, foster stakeholder partnerships, and position Gilead as a scientific leader in Italy's healthcare ecosystem.

Strategic Leadership in a High-Growth Environment

This role thrives in a dynamic, high-growth setting where influencing across functions, managing ambiguity, and innovative thinking are essential. Represent Gilead internally and externally, shaping a forward-looking organization while embodying Leadership Essentials and Core Values.

Key Responsibilities

Take charge of Gilead's Oncology success in Italy with these core duties:

• Lead the Oncology cross-functional team, providing vision, motivation, support, and coaching to meet commercial and therapeutic area goals.
• Drive development and execution of commercial strategies and action plans for sustained portfolio growth.
• Build and lead a high-performing marketing and sales team, aligned with global peers.
• Achieve operational excellence in marketing, sales, forecasting, and business planning.
• Establish infrastructure to meet business goals and deliver best-in-class performance.
• Cultivate relationships with opinion leaders, key stakeholders, Medical Affairs, Government Affairs, and Public Affairs.
• Support market access for launches and optimize current portfolio impact.
• Foster an inclusive team environment where everyone can succeed.
• Contribute to the local leadership team and represent cross-functional vision in global forums.

Qualifications & Requirements

Gilead seeks a proven leader with the expertise to excel in this role:

• Undergraduate degree required; MBA or advanced life science degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) preferred.
• Demonstrable commercial leadership in biopharmaceuticals, ideally as a Business Unit Lead in specialty therapeutics, with recent oncology experience in solid tumors or breast cancer.
• Track record of successful product launches, P&L management, revenue forecasting, and budget optimization.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to manage complexity and ambiguity, and a collaborative, solution-oriented mindset.
• Broad cross-functional experience, project management excellence, and rapid relationship-building with KOLs and stakeholders.
• Pragmatic, hands-on approach across all business levels.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Gilead means accessing top-tier rewards tailored for leaders:

• Competitive salary estimated at €150,000–€250,000 annually, based on biopharma sector rates in Milan with a 5-10% buffer.
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses tied to business growth.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and family benefits.
• Generous paid time off, flexible working arrangements, and wellness programs.
• State-of-the-art facilities in Milan and global travel opportunities.

Career Growth

Gilead invests in your development as a people leader. Expect mentorship, leadership training, and exposure to global projects. Advance within Oncology, cross-therapeutic areas, or international roles. Our culture empowers every employee to evolve, innovate, and lead, with clear paths to General Management or regional leadership.

Why Join Gilead

Be part of a company relentlessly fighting health challenges. At Gilead, your work directly impacts patients battling cancer, HIV, inflammatory diseases, and more. In Italy, lead Oncology growth amid exciting launches, collaborate with top minds, and shape policy for innovation. Enjoy a supportive culture valuing inclusion, development, and bold impact. Milan offers a vibrant base in Europe's pharma hub, blending professional excellence with Italian lifestyle.

Role FAQs

Q: What experience is most critical?
A: Recent oncology leadership, especially solid tumors/breast cancer, with launch success and P&L accountability.

Q: Is relocation support available?
A: Yes, Gilead supports transitions to Milan for qualified candidates.

Q: How does this role interact globally?
A: Frequent collaboration with regional and global teams, representing Italy in forums.

Q: What defines success here?
A: Portfolio growth, launch execution, team performance, and stakeholder partnerships.

Q: Why Milan?
A: Strategic hub for Italy's pharma ecosystem, ideal for KOL engagement and market access.