Technology Alliance Management (Alliance Lead)

AstraZeneca; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking an experienced Alliance Lead to manage supplier relationships and ensure alignment with operational needs. The role involves risk management, operational governance, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Candidates should have a PhD or MSc in a relevant field and extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry. The position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient outcomes while working in a dynamic and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience within the pharmaceutical industry or clinical research organization.
• Experience managing external partner relationships successfully.
• Familiarity with ICH GCP and related guidelines and practices.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for alliance management of multiple suppliers.
• Proactively identifies and manages supplier risks.
• Leads operational governance of suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Collaboration

Conflict resolution

Pharmaceutical industry knowledge

Education

PhD or MSc in a related field

BSc with 10+ years of experience

Job description

Technology Alliance Management (Alliance Lead)

Join to apply for the Technology Alliance Management (Alliance Lead) role at AstraZeneca.

Introduction

Be part of a dedicated Research & Development team. Fueled by our commitment to help more patients, strengthen our pipeline and grow our area, this is the place to go beyond discovery – we think holistically about patients and are always learning from those living with diseases. The Alliance Management (AM) group sits within BioPharma Clinical Operations and is accountable for setting the sourcing strategy across R&D and managing adherence to it. They ensure our suppliers deliver to the needs of the organizations and develop strong, beneficial partnerships with key suppliers.

About The Role

The role of the Alliance Management Director is to act as the Alliance Lead for one or more supplier(s). They will be responsible for ensuring the supplier(s) are meeting the operational needs of the customers, ensuring alliance effectiveness, appropriate communications, and that selected partners deliver as contracted. This role also supports and leads Patient Recruitment and Retention.

Accountabilities

• Accountable for the alliance management of one or more supplier(s) within or across service lines
• Proactively identifies and manages risks at the supplier/model/service line level
• Serves as point of contact for issue escalation to AM for the assigned supplier(s) and collaborates with business stakeholders to identify solutions and facilitate resolution of operational issues affecting delivery
• Leads operational governance of the supplier(s) / service lines
• Contributes to executive level governance meetings, and leads model level governance and supplier council forums as required, in collaboration with the AM Group Lead
• Act as audit Sponsor or co‑coordinator for AZ‑led supplier audits as applicable
• Works with the AM Group Lead to define appropriate metrics and SLAs for the supplier within the MSA
• Monitors quality and performance of service deliverables in alignment with the MSA
• Ensures selected suppliers deliver to contract and maintain strong relationships with external suppliers and internal customers
• Ensures effective visibility of supplier performance to relevant stakeholders
• Ensures ongoing assessment and integration of lessons learned for suppliers / models / service lines
• Seeks opportunities to drive efficiencies and continuous improvement within supplier and model/service lines
• Ensures understanding of roles and responsibilities across delivery teams for assigned delivery models / service lines
• Works with AM Process Integration Lead and internal subject matter experts to ensure effective use and maintenance of interface processes / ways of working (e.g., Alliance Handbooks)
• May have responsibility for line management or coaching of junior team members
• Serves as a delegate for the AM Group Lead for specific tasks or activities, as necessary
• May support or lead key critical initiatives within AM and contribute to initiatives outside of AM

Essential Requirements

• University degree in a related field, or equivalent (PhD / MSc preferred, BSc required with 10+ years of experience within the pharmaceutical industry or clinical research organization)
• Strong experience within the pharmaceutical industry or clinical research organization
• Detailed knowledge of clinical and pharmaceutical drug development processes at various phases of development
• Experience managing external partner relationships successfully
• Experience directing alliance governance frameworks and processes, including performance metrics
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, especially without authority
• Strong collaboration skills across global and functional boundaries
• Excellent conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills
• Ability to work with agility to solve problems involving many decision makers and develop multiple options or recommendations
• Familiarity with ICH GCP and related guidelines and practices

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work, empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and unleash an entrepreneurial spirit. We champion diversity and collaboration, and are committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. Make a more meaningful impact on patients’ lives worldwide – apply today!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

Job Details

Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Information Technology
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Date Posted: 15-Dec-2025
Closing Date: 06-Jan-2026