At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for external manufacturing, driving process improvements and supplier relationships.
- Company: AstraZeneca, a leader in life-changing medicines with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on continuous learning and sustainable practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how medicines reach patients using data and innovative strategies.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent, procurement experience, and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Reporting to the Procurement Senior Director for External Manufacturing, this role leads the External Manufacturing procurement strategy for an assigned category within the API team. The position holds accountability for a significant spend category across a region or the whole of AstraZeneca, often spanning multiple business areas. It drives both demand and supply side activities, shaping long-term strategic plans for the entire spend area and ensuring that supplier capabilities match current and future business needs. Using data and advanced analytics, this role turns insight into action, overseeing implementation of category plans so that process improvements and procurement activities deliver tangible business value.
Accountabilities
- Lead the implementation of category and sub-category plans, ensuring process improvements and procurement initiatives deliver expected value in line with strategic objectives.
- Support the Global Category Lead in developing long-term strategic plans for the agreed scope of spend, aligning with evolving business priorities and market dynamics.
- Contribute to strategic relationship management with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers, ensuring category strategies reflect current and future needs and that the supply base can support them.
- Collaborate with relevant Global Category Leads to build an integrated, customer-aligned category plan across AstraZeneca.
- Develop senior-level relationships across the organisation and with suppliers to resolve issues, optimise performance and identify future improvement opportunities.
- Address supplier issues promptly to secure high levels of service delivery, maintaining contractual and business relationships to rigorous standards.
- Foster trusted vendor relationships that drive better pricing, quality and reliability of services.
- Conduct annual peer reviews of category, regional or market strategies to benchmark performance and identify enhancements.
- Leverage data analytics and AI to inform key decisions and shape robust category strategies.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to use data, analytics and AI to improve external manufacturing procurement processes and outcomes.
- Lead close cross-functional collaboration (for example with GSC&S, ESM, PT&D) on category strategy, improvement opportunities and alignment on critical decisions.
- Advise on and drive procurement strategies that support organisational objectives in purchasing products and services.
- Drive the preparation of competitive bids, quotations and proposals with clear specifications, terms and conditions.
- Coordinate the introduction of new and modified products and services with relevant departments to ensure smooth implementation.
- Analyse and resolve issues raised in procurement audit reports, embedding findings into future practice.
- Advise on contracts and agreements for the supply of complex products and services with both new and existing suppliers.
- Develop, evaluate and manage internal and external relationships with suppliers, Category Teams and cross-functional partners.
- Lead the identification and realisation of value opportunities across the category, challenging existing approaches and unlocking new potential.
Essential Skills/Experience
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification
- Relevant work experience, including Procurement experience
- Proven capabilities in data analytics and AI
- Oral and written fluency in Business English
- Supplier Management experience
- Ability to leverage a range of influencing techniques in a global, cross functional setting
- Proven ability to manage change and uncertainty
- Strong analytical and financial skills
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Professional Procurement Qualification
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.
AstraZeneca offers the chance to shape an evolving end-to-end supply chain at a time of constant new products and launches, working with cutting-edge science, digital tools and Lean ways of working to deliver medicines to patients worldwide. Here, diverse teams collaborate in a positive environment where ideas are welcomed, smart risks are encouraged and continuous learning is part of everyday work; it is a place for determined people who thrive at pace, embrace change, focus on solutions and want to leave a lasting legacy through sustainable lifecycle management and manufacturing excellence.
Ready to break new ground in external manufacturing procurement and help reshape how medicines reach patients? Apply now.
Date Posted: 20-May-2026
Closing Date: 31-May-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.
Associate Director Global External Manufacturing Procurement in Macclesfield employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where diverse teams come together to drive meaningful change in the healthcare sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer opportunities to engage with cutting-edge science and digital tools while maintaining a flexible work environment that balances in-office collaboration with individual needs. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and supports your professional development in reshaping how life-changing medicines reach patients worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Global External Manufacturing Procurement in Macclesfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in procurement and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data and analytics in past roles to drive decisions and improve processes. This is key for the Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Global External Manufacturing Procurement in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in procurement and data analytics. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves leveraging data and AI, be sure to include examples of how you've used these tools in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn insights into action, so let us know how you’ve done that!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
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 Procurement Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of procurement strategies, especially in the context of external manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you would implement category plans and drive process improvements that align with AstraZeneca's strategic objectives.
✨Leverage Data Analytics
Since this role heavily involves data analytics and AI, prepare examples of how you've used these tools in past roles. Think about specific instances where your analytical skills led to tangible business value or improved procurement processes.
✨Build Relationships
This position requires strong relationship management skills. Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with internal stakeholders and suppliers. Highlight how you fostered trust and resolved issues to optimise performance.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Given the dynamic nature of the role, demonstrate your ability to manage change and uncertainty. Prepare to discuss situations where you've navigated challenges and adapted strategies to meet evolving business needs.
