About this role
Associate Director, External Manufacturing Procurement Macclesfield, UK 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. Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!! Reporting to the Director – External Manufacturing Procurement (New Modalities), the Associate Director, External Manufacturing Procurement is accountable for delivering the technology-aligned category strategy across both pre-commercial and commercial spend.
This role plays a central part in enabling AstraZeneca’s Ambition 2030 strategy, ensuring external manufacturing partners are selected, developed and managed to deliver 20 new life-changing medicines by 2030. Sitting within the technology-aligned category team, the role leads high-value initiatives in the Category Improvement Plan, drives supplier performance and development, and supports activities related to acquisitions and divestments across both commercial and pre-commercial phases of the lifecycle. Operating through established governance forums, this position connects closely with stakeholders across the value chain to secure robust, sustainable and competitive external manufacturing solutions that keep patients at the centre.
Accountabilities Strategy Leadership of initiatives or with their suppliers within the applicable category improvement plan and execution of that plan to deliver the business value. Support the development of category strategy where required, providing market insight, supplier intelligence, benchmarking and practical input from sourcing and supplier management activity. Contribute to market analysis, supplier landscape reviews and benchmarking to advise sourcing decisions and continuous improvement opportunities.
Lead high value/high complexity project supplier selection activities including guiding S2C team with supplier selection where required, in line with category strategy. Delivering value for accountable supplier relationships in line with segmentation & supplier development plan. Represents EMP & contributes as required at relevant technology enterprise governance forums (e.g ESM Tech Forum, Supplier BRMs, Boards) to drive informed decision-making and ensure alignment with corporate objectives.
Leads stakeholder relationships effectively through Business Partnering with relevant roles across ESM, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Legal and Pharm Sci, PT&D and BPD organisations (where applicable) to resolve issues, optimise business performance and develop future improvement opportunities. Leadership Deliver annual financial and non-financial targets for their category. Deliver on EMP goals and objectives.
If applicable lead assigned area of EMP’s overall governance system and processes driving a continuous improvement mentality and lean methodology. Supports innovation within the category strategy and emphasises sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. Participate in/lead where appropriate pre-commercial & commercial category core team meetings with business & procurement stakeholders.
Business & Supplier Engagement Contribution to advancing and delivering Procurement’s overall 2-2-2 strategy and Value Proposition. Manages and monitors supplier spend & records savings. Ensuring procurement processes and supplier management are applied in line with identified AstraZeneca standard operating policies, compliance, ethics & procedures.
Develop and apply negotiation tactics, effectively communicating with stakeholders, and building mutual trust to influence outcomes efficiently. Be responsible for End-to-End Source to Contract (S2C) activities performed by GSCE Supports GSCE execution of Master Supply Agreements, and/or individual product contracts for assigned Suppliers or Brands. Supporting risk assessment processes for suppliers Foster trusted relationships with suppliers to achieve competitive value and quality of services.
Support AZ’s industry-leading Sustainability agenda with suppliers. Essential Skills/Experience Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or business field. Strong hands on experience in direct procurement, preferably within pharmaceutical industry or similarly highly regulated industry Strong demonstrable ability to deliver procurement value through strategic leadership and effective engagement with senior stakeholders including translating strategic priorities into clear workplans, governance, and measurable business outcomes.
Highly developed operational and project management skills with experience leading multi workstream projects end to end. Strong stakeholder management skills in a global matrix organization Excellent communication skills, with the ability to lead high profile/high spend supplier relationship management Demonstrated experience leading or delivering work through changing priorities, ambiguous requirements, organisational change, or evolving market conditions, while maintaining delivery, and clear communication. Strong ability to analyse complex data with the financial skills to support data-driven decision-making Demonstrated experience working across different geographical regions and cultures.
Experience in working within operations Desirable Skills/Experience Background in collaborating with Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) Category management experience MCIPS or part CIPS qualified In Office Requirement: 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.
Competitive salary and benefits package on offer! The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package. Date Posted 24-Aug-2026 Closing Date 06-Sept-2026 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.