At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships in pharma R&D, ensuring operational excellence and governance.
- Company: Join a world-class R&D hub at AstraZeneca, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on inclusivity and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pharmaceutical industry while working with global teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in alliance management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge, UK (3 days on site per week)
Are you energised by building high performing partnerships and driving operational excellence at scale? Do you have a strong background in alliance management within outsourced service models in pharma R&D? We’re recruiting a Director, Alliance Management to serve as Alliance Lead for one or more strategic partnerships with Contract Research Organisations (CROs), ensuring partners meet customer needs, deliver to contract, and that governance, communication, and relationship health are best‑in‑class.
This position is based at our Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a world‑class R&D hub where cross‑functional teams, from clinical operations and data science to regulatory and quality, work together to advance innovative medicines. In this role, you will collaborate across regions and time zones, engaging global stakeholders and supplier leadership to align on strategy, governance, and continuous improvement, while leveraging Cambridge’s R&D hub’s vibrant ecosystem and facilities, as well connections with AstraZeneca’s cross‑functional teams.
Accountabilities
- Supplier/Model Governance: Lead alliance management for assigned suppliers and service lines; own operational governance, risk identification/escalation, and resolution; support audits; and contribute to executive and model‑level forums.
- Quality and Performance: Define and monitor metrics/service level agreements (SLAs); ensure delivery to contract; maintain strong internal/external relationships; provide performance visibility; embed lessons learned; and drive continuous improvement.
- Study Team Support: Clarify roles and responsibilities across delivery teams and ensure effective interface processes and ways of working with suppliers.
- Alliance Management Development: Coach more junior team members; act as delegate for the AM/CRO Group Lead; and lead or support critical initiatives within and beyond Alliance Management.
Essential Requirements
- University degree in a relevant field (or equivalent experience)
- Recent, direct senior level experience in strategic alliance leadership (partner governance, external engagement, senior internal stakeholder management) in early/late phase clinical trials within fully outsourced and FSP models.
- Substantial experience in the pharmaceutical industry or a clinical research organization
- Detailed knowledge of clinical and pharmaceutical drug development across phases
- Proven experience managing external partners and strategic supplier relationships
- Experience directing alliance governance frameworks and performance metrics
- Strong leadership and influencing skills (including leading without formal authority)
- Effective collaboration across global and functional boundaries
- Excellent conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation skills
- Demonstrated agility in complex problem solving with multiple stakeholders
- Familiarity with GCP and related guidelines
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.
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.
Strategic Alliance Leader – Pharma CRO Partnerships in Cambridge employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca offers an exceptional work environment at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a premier R&D hub that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and a flexible benefits package, including options for holiday purchase and performance recognition, all while being part of a diverse and inclusive culture that prioritises personal growth and professional development. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and operational excellence, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead strategic partnerships in the pharmaceutical industry, making a meaningful impact on the future of medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Alliance Leader – Pharma CRO Partnerships in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the pharma and CRO space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Research the company’s recent projects, their partnerships, and any news related to their R&D efforts. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can add value.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! In your conversations, highlight examples of how you've successfully managed alliances or resolved conflicts in the past. Use specific metrics or outcomes to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at AstraZeneca. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Alliance Leader – Pharma CRO Partnerships in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Alliance Leader role. Highlight your experience in alliance management and how it aligns with our needs in pharma R&D. We want to see how you can bring value to our partnerships!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in managing strategic partnerships. Use metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our operational excellence.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively across teams!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Alliances
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's strategic partnerships, especially with CROs. Understand their operational models and how they align with customer needs. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise in alliance management and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects without formal authority. Highlight your ability to influence and collaborate across different functions and regions. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
✨Metrics Matter
Be ready to discuss how you've defined and monitored performance metrics and SLAs in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and ensured delivery to contract. This will showcase your analytical skills and commitment to operational excellence.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Agility
Think of complex problems you've solved in past roles, particularly those involving multiple stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your approach to conflict resolution and negotiation. This will highlight your agility and capability to navigate challenges in a dynamic environment.
