Associate Director, Global Cell Therapy Procurement

AstraZeneca • Los Angeles, CA

3d

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking an integral member of its Cell Therapy Supply Chain team for a global procurement role with accountability for selected categories. The position develops and deploys global category strategies and initiatives, leads major supplier relationships, partners with stakeholder groups, and ensures procurement activities and process improvements deliver business value.

The Associate Director develops long-term strategic plans for an entire spend category, aligning category strategies with current and future business needs and ensuring the supply base can support them. The role leads category-related projects, vendor sustainability initiatives, and complex contractual and commercial negotiations. It also promotes data-driven category management and high-quality analytics to deliver insights, capabilities, and results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 7+ years of experience in a procurement environment.
• Strong project management expertise.
• Deep knowledge of procurement processes, including sourcing methodologies, contract management, supplier performance management, and risk mitigation.
• Experience implementing procurement governance frameworks and driving organizational change.
• Track record of building capability through training, process improvement, and change management.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across all organizational levels.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Process-oriented mindset with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Data-driven decision making and performance measurement.

Nice To Haves

• PMP certification.
• Experience in biotech or pharma procurement; cell therapy experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with procurement technology platforms such as SAP and Coupa, and AI or automation tools.
• Background in sustainability and supplier diversity programs.
• Lean Six Sigma certification at Green Belt level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between Cell Therapy Supply Chain and Global Procurement.
• Lead procurement project management for Commercial Readiness (2028 launch), COGM reduction, China support, the AI Initiative, and sustainability targets.
• Establish a procurement governance framework aligned with Global Procurement Must Wins.
• Drive process standardization and capability building across the Cell Therapy Supply Chain team.
• Implement procurement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and deploy global category strategies and initiatives for assigned categories.
• Lead major supplier relationships and build stakeholder relationships through effective business partnering.
• Develop long-term strategic plans for an entire spend category, aligned with current and future business needs.
• Lead project initiatives tied to category strategies, vendor sustainability initiatives, and complex contractual and commercial negotiations.
• Apply data-driven category management and high-quality analytics to deliver insights, capabilities, and results.

Benefits

• Eligibility for short-term incentive bonuses.
• Eligibility for equity-based awards for salaried roles.
• Qualified retirement programs.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and leaves.
• Health coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director