Associate Director, Global Cell Therapy Sourcing & Procurement
Santa Monica, CA - USA
Job Summary
Do you have a passion forSupply Chain &Procurement Would you liketojoinawinning team supportingCell Therapyin one of theworlds 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 discoverydevelopmentand commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the worlds 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 globalremitand 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
Bachelors 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 Chinas 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 incentivesan 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 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.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, ... View more