Director Trade Relations

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to build a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely built with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking bold action to address some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.

At AstraZeneca, our ability to deliver life-changing medicines to patients depends on strong, compliant, and strategically led trade partnerships. The Senior Manager, Trade Relations plays a critical leadership role in ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and effective channel strategy across the Canadian market.

Reporting directly to the Canadian VP Finance & CFO, this role is accountable for the strategy, people leadership, operations, and compliance of Trade Relations in Canada.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the Trade Relations Team (4 direct reports: Senior Trading Partner Specialist, Trading Partner Representative, Distribution Analyst, and Logistics Specialist)
• Lead all Sales Order-to-Cash activities in the Canadian market for all AZ products, including Trade, Samples, and Compassionate supply, managed through third-party Distribution Centres, including order management and Customer Service
• Manage and influence senior-level relationships externally (Trade Partners, Industry Associations) and internally (Global Logistics; Global Collections and Credit; Global Supply Team; Canadian Quality Assurance; Finance and Forecasting; Commercial Sales and Marketing; Pricing and Contracts; MedInfo)
• Act as the primary interface with Canadian Trading Partners for all communications including product launches, discontinuations, price changes, business intelligence, and negotiation of terms and agreements
• Coordinate product distribution with specialty distribution partners supporting Patient Support Programs
• Alignment with Regional/Global Supply Chain team to secure reliable product availability and collaborate with Trading Partners to modify demand.

• Collaborate with third-party vendors for 3PL distribution and reverse logistics returns management as well as coordinate market-level recall readiness and execution
• Lead customs-related activities associated with the importation of AZ drug products and export of drug samples, including engagement with customs brokers and CBSA
• Drive customer and supply chain initiatives aligned to Lean, process-centered principles to ensure efficient product fulfillment and optimal customer service
• Develop and lead channel strategies and programs to effectively leverage distribution channels and support AstraZeneca business objectives
• Supervise financial and administrative key account management for all Trading Partners
• Lead departmental budget and ensure compliance with GMP and GDP requirements (including Health Canada Guideline 0069), SOx / Financial Control Framework requirements, and cross-border trade controls

Education, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, Sciences, Supply Chain Management, or other relevant field; Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or customer service-oriented supply chain role, or sales and marketing position
• Completion of a Supply Chain Professional designation (e.g., APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional) or Key Account Management program preferred
• Proven experience handling key accounts at a senior level
• Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical wholesale, specialty wholesale, retail, and hospital industry practices
• Detailed understanding of Sales Order-to-Cash processes, including credit risk management and collections
• Knowledge of Health Canada guidelines related to GMP and GDP, including Guideline 0069
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, and distribution
• Ability to balance customer needs with commercial and operational priorities
• Strong leadership, interpersonal influencing, and communication skills
• Strong analytical capability to review sales, inventory, and forecast data
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial foresight
• Expertise in Supply Chain Management principles
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Understanding of information technology integration and its impact on business processes (e.g., EDI, GS1 coding, ECCnet Registry)
• Experience in process performance analysis and measurement

This is a highly visible leadership role within the Canadian organization, offering the opportunity to shape trade strategy, strengthen key partnerships, and drive operational excellence in a complex and regulated environment.

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 12 years
• Top 100 Employers Award
• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture
• Learn more about working with us in Canada
• View our YouTube channel

This is the place to make a meaningful impact – on patients’ lives and your personal growth. It’s both exciting and inspiring, and it’s what keeps us motivated every day.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

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Annual base salary for this position ranges from 0.00 to 0.00.

AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs.  In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances.

In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (if applicable to role).  Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program.

We are using AI as part of the recruitment process.

This advertisement relates to a current vacancy.

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.