Associate Director, Global Cell Therapy Sourcing & Procurement
Do you have a passion forSupply Chain &Procurement? Would you liketojoinawinning team supportingCell Therapyin one of theworld’s leading pharmaceutical companies? If you thrive in an environment of innovation and change in afast-growingorganization, then this could be the role for you.
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 ourCell Therapy Supply Chainteam. This role has a globalremit,and you will have accountability forsome 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.There are multiple positions available and you may be based in Santa Monica, CA or Tarzana, CA or Gaithersburg, MD.
In this role, you willdevelop long-term strategic plans foranentire spendcategorywithin 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 basecan supportthese 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 alongsidekey stakeholders and will ensure a data-driven approach to category management and high-quality analytics to deliver insights, capabilities, and results.
Responsibilities
Lead implementation of category plans to ensure that the underpinning process improvement and procurement activities deliver business value in accordance with the strategic plan and help towards our Sustainability targets.
Develop long term strategic plans for agreed scope of spend area, with a focus on delivering broader value, innovation, and savings.
Support the team in strategic relationship management (customer and supplier) - ensuring Category Strategies are fully aligned to current and future Business need, and we maintain a supply base capable of supporting these strategies.
Work alongside key stakeholders advising on and driving procurement strategies to make decisions necessary to make purchases in congruence with organizational objectives.
Advise on contracts and agreements for the supply of sophisticated products and services with new and existing suppliers
Cross functional support of global procurement colleagues and collaborate on setting and completing the strategy.
Develop and execute alliance management strategies for key CDMO partnerships
Lead sourcing and negotiation for Auto TCR-T, Allo CAR-T, and In-vivo manufacturing
Drive COGM reduction initiatives for LVV, Plasmids, Gene Editing, and Drug Product
Build resilient, multi-source supplier base for critical materials in collaboration with technical, quality, and external manufacturing teams
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
7+ years of experiencein a procurement environment
Significant experienceof Category Management(preferably inCell Therapy)
Strong project management, change management and people leadership skills
Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry
Strong communicationskills and ability to influence others
Comfort with risk and ambiguous situations
Preferred Skills:
Proven track record negotiating and managing complex CDMO contracts
Technical background (ideally MS&T, CMC, or manufacturing engineering)
Strong alliance management skills balancing cost, quality, and relationship dynamics
Experience with novel modalities (CAR-T, TCR-T, in-vivo gene editing)
Track record managing tech transfers to CDMOs
Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
China market experience: Deep understanding of China's biotech ecosystem, regulatory environment, and supplier landscape. Mandarin language proficiency (for China-focused role)
#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
15-Apr-2026Closing Date
03-May-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.
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.
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