Associate Director, Global Cell Therapy Procurement
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 and manages stakeholder and supplier relationships so category strategies align with current and future business needs and the supply base can support them. The role leads strategic projects, vendor sustainability initiatives, and complex contractual and commercial negotiations. It also uses data-driven category management and analytics to provide business insights, capabilities, and results.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- At least 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.
- Familiarity with procurement technology platforms such as SAP and Coupa, and with AI/automation tools.
- Lean Six Sigma certification at Green Belt level or higher.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
- Process-oriented mindset and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Skills in change management, capability building, data-driven decision making, and performance measurement.
Nice To Haves
- PMP certification.
- Experience in biotech or pharmaceutical procurement; cell therapy experience is a plus.
- Background in sustainability and supplier diversity programs.
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 long-term strategic plans for an entire spend category.
- Lead major supplier relationships and develop stakeholder relationships through effective business partnering.
- Lead category strategy projects, vendor sustainability initiatives, and complex contractual and commercial negotiations.
- Use data-driven category management and analytics to deliver insights, capabilities, and results.
Benefits
- Eligibility for short-term incentive bonuses.
- Equity-based awards for salaried roles.
- Qualified retirement programs.
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and leaves.
- Health coverage.
- Dental coverage.
- Vision coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
