R&D Senior Director of Procurement

Job Title: R&D Senior Director of Procurement

Introduction to role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic thinker to head the Global Clinical Trials Full-Service team, delivering to AstraZeneca's Science Units in Oncology and Biopharmaceuticals. As a critical business partner to the Clinical business teams, you will lead a team of over five individuals, developing and implementing strategies that enhance speed, financial value, and our bold sustainability vision. If you have a proven track record in Clinical R&D Categories, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact. Join the R&D Global Procurement team, reporting to the Executive Director, Clinical Trial Delivery, based in Cambridge.

Accountabilities

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Senior R&D Leaders and other functional stakeholders to develop a strategic global approach to the corporate procurement and material management process for the procurement of direct/indirect goods and services.

• In collaboration with internal stakeholders, lead the development of long-term strategic plans for the entire spend area within the portfolio (including overarching accountability for sub-category and national plans within any given category).

• Develop long-term excellence in category management across the category, region or market including sourcing, cost management, contract management, supplier relationship and development management, and commodity price risk management (CPRM).

• Develop and deliver the annual financial and non-financial targets for the portfolio regionally or globally, including cost savings. Lead interactions with Finance team to plan and document value and work closely together to align P&L impact.

• Provide subject matter expertise and leadership in R&D Categories and be proficient in category intelligence, industry trends, benchmarks to inform business decisions.

• Own the full results of all the portfolio contract negotiations, achieving the given KPIs, quality and targets, and proactively identify opportunities.

• Coach, mentor, develop and lead a high-performing team of Procurement professionals to foster excellence and growth.

• Lead governance within the portfolio ensuring commercial decisions are aligned with the overall business strategy and up/downstream stakeholders.

• Support the Executive Director and Global Head of R&D Procurement in maximizing category spend contribution across the R&D Procurement function.

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Essential Skills/Experience

• Degree or master’s degree level qualification or relevant experience

• Proven track record of success in a Global R&D Procurement leadership role

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams, prioritise multiple projects and deliver outstanding results

• Exceptional communicator with the ability to prepare and deliver presentations to senior and executive leadership and stakeholders

• Strong analytic skills and track record of using data to influence

• Significant Global Line Management experience with strong examples of building high performing teams

• Highly competent in managing change and navigating complexity

• Strong influencing and storytelling capability

• Procurement qualifications

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.

At AstraZeneca, you'll find an environment that celebrates diversity of experience, skills, and ways of working. We embrace sharing and learning together, whether you're a specialist or transitioning from another industry. Our adaptable and agile team is always ready to step outside comfort zones in pursuit of continuous improvement. With a strategic mindset, we react rapidly to changing business requirements. Here, you'll be part of a team that challenges conventions and tries new things to progress.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our innovative team!

Date Posted

05-Sept-2025

Closing Date

20-Sept-2025

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.

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.