Director, Sourcing - Global Operations-12050

The External Manufacturing function within Global Strategic Sourcing is responsible for providing strategic and tactical oversight of Alexion’s External Manufacturing network for commercial and clinical products. In addition, the scope of the team also includes, contracting and procurement for External QC supply base and provides commercial support to our Logistics and Distribution Organisation.

The Director, Strategic Sourcing, External Manufacturing will lead a team of qualified Category Managers.  Under the Director’s leadership this team will ensure that the company has best in class commercial CMO Management capability, within sourcing, contracting procurement and finance policy and procedures which are kept up to date as the business continuously evolves and develops to meet the needs of patients.

Additionally, they will be responsible for the proactive development and management of commercial business relationships with Alexion’s External contract supply network including contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) used for the manufacture and supply of Drug Substance, Drug Product, Devices and Finished Product. The scope of the role also includes responsibility for External QC partners.

This position will work closely with key stakeholders from Alexion’s External Manufacturing and Operations (EM&O), Quality, Clinical Manufacturing Planning, Technical Services, Business Development, Product Management, Legal and Finance.The successful candidate will seek to continuously improve performance and delivery within Alexion Contract Manufacturing Network ensuring that the network operates in accordance with the highest standards of compliance, ethics and integrity.      

You will be responsible for:

• Lead and manage a Team of qualified Category Managers responsible for the External commercial and clinical CMO network, External QC supply base and provide commercial support to our Logistics and Distribution Organisation. 
• Oversee and lead the management of commercial business relationships for Alexion’s External Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMO) and the associated Sourcing Processes (MvB/RFI/RPF/EoI), Contracting and Negotiation and Business Support within Alexion Operations.
• Develop and manage the business performance, financial and commercial relationship with contract manufactures (CMOs). Build and maintain relationships with senior business and executive leadership at CMOs
• Act as Business Escalation for EM&O and the external supply network to resolve issues and mitigate business risk.
• When required, lead and assist with Contract Negotiations and execution of commercial service/supply agreements and related child agreements, ensuring alignment with internal business stakeholders to optimize CMO delivery, while securing the lowest TCO and access to the highest levels of service and quality.
• Lead sourcing process and support stakeholder requirements to deliver Late-Stage Network Strategy Team business and sourcing requests in conjunction with key stakeholders (Technical/Quality/Supply Planning). Includes risk management and dual sourcing initiatives.
• Lead and Support business partners to develop and enforce contract compliance to manage and measure supplier performance and develop relationships with suppliers
• Follow market trends for applicable category of spend. Use this knowledge to support internal customers. Evaluate financial aspects of key cost drivers of global markets using published industry data, and benchmarked data
• Collaborate with the broader Astra Zeneca organisation and look for synergy opportunities from a commercial and strategic perspective.
• Ensure team and stakeholders are committed to manage cost control and reductions for assigned category while maintaining continuous timely supply of business process and services.
• Introduce new and innovative ideas for the sourcing and procurement of goods and services.

You will need to have:

• Proven track record of managing successful teams in a dynamic Organisation.
• Demonstrated sourcing, procurement, negotiation and contracting leadership in External Contract Manufacturing GMP Pharma environment
• Demonstrated category management experience within CDMO, CMO and CLO areas with direct experience in contract negotiations, business issue resolution and supplier relationship management
• Demonstrated ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience working with cross functional global teams
• Excellent understanding of commercial business processes, innovation and continuous improvements
• Detail-oriented with the ability to effectively manage multiple competing priorities
• Knowledge of Manufacturing, Quality and Regulatory requirements as they relate to the Biotech / Pharma manufacturing industry

• Strong leadership, presentation, and communication skills with proven ability to influence at executive level

We would prefer for you to have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Procurement or equivalent with relevant external contract manufacturing experience
• Ideally 15 + years’ experience in a US Multi-National GMP sourcing & external manufacturing environment

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.