Associate Director, Global Cell Therapy Procurement

About this role

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. Join us at AstraZeneca, a place that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking, and innovation. We are looking for an integral member to join our Cell Therapy Supply Chain team. This role has a global remit and you will have accountability for some categories.

The role focuses on the development and deployment of global category strategies and initiatives, leading our major supplier relationships, developing deeper relationships with the various stakeholder groups through effective business partnering, and ensuring that the underpinning process improvement and procurement activities deliver the expected business value.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing long-term strategic plans for an entire spend category within AstraZeneca. You will manage stakeholder and supplier relationships to ensure that category strategies are highly aligned to current and future business needs and that the supply base can support these strategies. You will lead project initiatives tied to the category strategies to deliver value to the business, lead the implementation of sustainability initiatives with vendors, and lead complex contractual and commercial negotiations. You will work alongside key stakeholders. You will ensure a data-driven approach to category management and high-quality analytics to deliver insights, capabilities, and results.

Responsibilities Serve as primary liaison between Cell Therapy Supply Chain and Global Procurement

Lead procurement project management for Commercial Readiness (2028 launch), COGM reduction, China support, AI Initiative, and Sustainability targets

Establish 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

Essential RequirementsBachelor’s degree or equivalent

7+ years of experience in a procurement environment

Strong project management expertise (PMP certification preferred)

Deep knowledge of procurement processes: sourcing methodologies, contract management, supplier performance management, risk mitigation

Experience implementing procurement governance frameworks and driving organizational change

Track record building capability through training, process improvement, and change management

Excellent stakeholder management skills across all organizational levels

Experience in biotech/pharma procurement (cell therapy a plus)

Familiarity with procurement technology platforms (SAP, Coupa) and AI/automation tools

Background in sustainability and supplier diversity programs

Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Key CompetenciesExceptional organizational and project management skills

Process-oriented mindset with attention to detail

Strong communication and influencing skills

Change management and capability building

Data-driven decision making and performance measurement

What’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you. Please include your CV and a Cover Letter detailing your motivations in applying for the role and your suitability.

#CellTherapy The annual base pay for this position ranges from $116K to $173K. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted 04-Nov-2026 Closing Date 15-Nov-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.