Associate Director - Nature Strategy, Sustainable Sourcing & Circularity

Associate Director - Nature Strategy, Sustainable Sourcing & Circularity

Introduction to role

AstraZeneca is seeking an Associate Director of Nature Strategy, Sustainable Sourcing & Circularity within our Global SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) and Sustainability function. In this dynamic role, you will be instrumental in embedding sustainable sourcing and circularity throughout our value chain, supporting our Climate & Nature Action strategy. You will shape and implement global frameworks and standards, forge strategic partnerships across the healthcare sector, and drive meaningful change across AstraZeneca. Your contribution will be central to delivering our approach to sustainable use and sourcing—addressing how our materials, manufacturing processes, and site operations impact and depend on nature across our complex global network.

Accountabilities

• Provide technical expertise and work cross-functionally to embed sustainable sourcing practices and our Circular Economy approach across the business.

• Lead strategic efforts to enhance risk management tied to AstraZeneca’s use of recycled materials and those of natural origin and to progress against our enterprise-wide targets related to sustainable sourcing, waste, and circularity.

• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) by maintaining an in depth understanding and foresight of the sourcing of key materials and the circular economy and applying it to sustainability policies and standards.

• Drive for continuous improvement of available data and insights on the use of biobased feedstocks to enable colleagues to understand trade-offs between GHG reduction and risks of impacts on nature and make informed decisions.

• Provide technical guidance regarding emerging legislation relevant to sustainable sourcing and circularity, (e.g. deforestation and plastics), working closely with relevant functions to address a rapidly shifting regulatory environment.

• Support reporting of sustainable sourcing, waste, and circularity metrics, including assurance activities.

• Represent AstraZeneca on relevant cross-pharma industry groups and collaborations (e.g. PEG, EFPIA) to share best practice, define consistent approaches and advocate at sector level on emerging legislation concerning the Circular Economy and sourcing of key materials.

Essential Skills/Experience

• A degree in a scientific, environmental sustainability or engineering discipline or equivalent experience

• Strong communication skills with a demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and lead complex change management across diverse global teams and external stakeholders

• Experience taking a risk-based approach to sustainability issues and their relevance to the healthcare sector, including impacts on nature and biodiversity

• Ability to interpret complex information to provide strategic clarity and action plans

Desirable Skills/Experience

• A comprehensive understanding of inflows and outflows of materials used within the pharmaceutical sector, including sustainable sourcing of high impact commodities

• Experience in translating strategies into action with demonstrated business benefits, ideally environmental performance

• Strong and resilient leadership skills and ability to work in a global, multi-stakeholder environment

• Good appreciation of wider environmental processes and policies, with ability to apply knowledge of relevant legislation and policy associated with environmental impacts of materials used within the pharma industry and/or wider healthcare sector

• Experience with life cycle assessment and/or following Nature-related frameworks and standards (e.g. TNFD, SBTN)

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to making a difference beyond patients by pioneering our sustainability strategy. Be part of a team that is dedicated to achieving Zero Carbon by 2025 and becoming carbon negative across the entire value chain by 2030. Here, everyone contributes towards a collective legacy of doing good for people, the environment, and society.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join us on this exciting journey!

Date Posted

17-Sept-2025

Closing Date

01-Oct-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.