Associate Director, Sourcing & Procurement Logistics

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 116,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentives

Equity awards

Retirement plan

PTO

Health insurance

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking an Associate Director, Sourcing & Procurement Logistics to lead end-to-end logistics for autologous and allogeneic cell therapy products. You will manage strategic supplier relationships and drive cross-functional projects in a regulated, time- and temperature-critical environment.

You will develop long-term category strategies, oversee supplier performance, and implement sustainability and digital traceability initiatives, ensuring GDP/GxP compliance and resilient supply

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in pharma or biotech supply chain/logistics, with at least 3 years in advanced therapies or temperature-sensitive products.
• Experience managing strategic suppliers and global logistics networks.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional strategic projects.
• Strong knowledge of GDP, cold chain/cryogenic logistics, and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee global logistics operations for cell therapy products.
• Own strategic relationship with logistics providers; drive performance and improvement.
• Lead supplier scorecards, QBRs, SLAs/KPIs, risk assessments, improvement plans.
• Lead or sponsor multiple concurrent strategic initiatives (e.g., network expansion, traceability).
• Design and maintain risk mitigation plans and contingency protocols.
• Ensure GDP/GxP compliance across all logistics touchpoints.
• Deliver cost efficiency and value creation through negotiations and tech adoption.

Skills

GDP knowledge

Cold chain/cryogenic logistics

Project leadership

Strategic supplier management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/related field

Advanced degree (MSc, MBA) preferred

Job description

The Associate Director, Sourcing & Procurement Logistics is accountable for the end-to-end logistics of autologous and allogeneic cell therapy products, the management of strategic supplier relationships, and the delivery of multiple cross-functional strategic projects. Operating in a highly regulated, time- and temperature-critical environment, the role ensures supplier selection and management of excellent supplier performance and leads initiatives that strengthen the operational resilience and scalability of the Cell Therapy network.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing long-term strategic plans for an entire cell therapy logistics spend category within AstraZeneca CTTO. 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 base is capable of supporting these 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 alongside key stakeholders and align with Global Procurement. You will ensure a data-driven approach to category management and high-quality analytics to deliver insights, capabilities, and results.

Key Responsibilities

• Sourcing & Procurement Logistics Leadership: Oversee global logistics operations for cell therapy products, ensuring compliant, reliable, and patient-centric delivery from apheresis center to manufacturing site to treatment center.
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Own the strategic relationship with key logistics providers, couriers, cryogenic solution vendors, and specialty logistics partners; drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Contract & Performance Governance: Lead supplier scorecards, QBRs, SLAs/KPIs, risk assessments, and joint improvement plans.
• Strategic Projects: Lead or sponsor multiple concurrent strategic initiatives (e.g., network expansion, digital traceability, cryogenic capability build-out, regional launch readiness).
• Risk & Business Continuity: Design and maintain risk mitigation plans, dual-sourcing strategies, and contingency protocols for critical logistics lanes.
• Regulatory & Quality Alignment: Partner with Quality and Regulatory functions to ensure GDP/GxP compliance across all logistics touchpoints.
• Cost & Value Optimization: Deliver cost efficiency and value creation through supplier negotiations, process redesign, and technology adoption.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech supply chain / logistics, with at least 3 years in advanced therapies, biologics, or temperature-sensitive products.
• Demonstrated experience managing strategic suppliers and complex, global logistics networks.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional strategic projects from concept to execution.
• Strong knowledge of GDP, cold chain/cryogenic logistics, and regulatory expectations in specialty medicines.

Preferred skills

• Advanced degree (MSc, MBA, or equivalent).
• Direct experience with CAR-T or other autologous cell therapy logistics.
• Certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2) or Lean/Six Sigma.
• Experience implementing digital traceability or orchestration platforms for cell therapies.
• Global exposure across the US, EU, and emerging markets.

Core Competencies

• Operational Excellence: Strong execution mindset with attention to compliance and detail.
• Strategic Supplier Management: Skilled negotiator and relationship builder with critical vendors.
• Project Leadership: Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver complex projects on time.
• Risk Management: Anticipates disruptions and designs resilient solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective across Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Clinical, and Commercial.
• Patient-Centric Mindset: Recognizes the individualized, time-critical nature of cell therapy delivery.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $116K to $173K. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an 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

26-Aug-2026

Closing Date

07-Sep-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In 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.

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