Global Materials Planner

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

In AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy division, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. We have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. This role is part of the Global Cell Therapy Supply Chain team tasked with supporting Clinical and Commercial production across multiple sites.

Requirements

• 6+ years with BS/BA in related field, or 4+ years with MS/MA or MBA in related field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required; experience with advanced functions and data analysis is a plus
• Interpersonal skills to develop collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Understanding of business implications of decisions
• Highly thorough with ability to see detail in context to overall processes

Nice To Haves

• General knowledge of chemicals, reagents, and other MRO materials common to the life sciences industry preferred
• ERP (Prefer SAP) implementation and scaling experience a strong plus
• Professional certifications like CPIM or ASCM (APICS) are a plus
• Experience with advanced planning tools
• Direct experience and solid understanding of Supply Chain planning, material requirements planning and purchasing, production scheduling for manufacturing - in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry or cell therapy preferred
• Knowledgeable of cGMP manufacturing and regulatory/compliance requirements for cell therapy and pharmaceutical industry

Responsibilities

• Lead materials planning of critical cell therapy manufacturing and QC raw materials across the manufacturing and development network using SAP.
• Monitor and balance inventory levels across the cell therapy network per demand and inventory policy, leading risk to ensure availability for production and development without excess and expiration of materials.
• Work with Global Product Planning and manufacturing sites to adjust materials supply plans based on local storage and resource constraints.
• Lead planning material master data and oversee maintenance of timely transactions in SAP to provide accurate demand and supply visibility and planning.
• Create and manage purchase orders to support production schedules ensuring no interruptions to production.
• Work with Logistics, Manufacturing, Procurement, Suppliers, and Quality.
• Initiate relevant change controls and deviation waivers, coordinate completion of tasks, and confirm closure of the process.
• Innovate and lead in terms of cost saving and efficiency.
• Align with safety, quality, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Assist in reconciliation of variances between purchase orders, invoices, shipments, and packing slips.
• Monitor vendor delivery performance, days on hand and related quality issues.
• Help Coordinate material returns and refund activities.
• Analyze expected stock loss reports to ensure product losses are minimized due to expiration, slow-moving, excess.
• Coordinate with Engineering, QA, Production and Finance phase in/phase out of raw materials as needed.
• Participate in S&OE and communicate significant current/potential supply performance problems (capacity imbalance, noncompliant material, material shortage, supplier delays).

Benefits

• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

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