Associate Director, Global Sourcing - External Manufacturing

This is what you will do:

The Associate Director, Global Sourcing - External Manufacturing leads sourcing (Product Development & Clinical Supply) PDCS strategy and commercial execution across the external manufacturing category supporting Alexion’s development and clinical supply network, with a primary focus on early-stage clinical supply (Phase I to Phase II).

The role has strategic responsibility across Biologic Drug Substance Development, Drug Product, Finished Product, Packaging, Labelling, and Distribution. It is accountable for delivering secure, compliant, cost-effective, flexible, and scalable external supply solutions aligned with portfolio and operational priorities.

Working closely with stakeholders across PDCS, R&D, Technical Operations, Quality, Finance, and other key functions, the role supports effective supplier selection, contracting, and partner management to meet evolving pipeline needs. It also drives data- and digital-enabled procurement excellence, including the use of AI-enabled tools and automation, while incorporating sustainability, responsible sourcing, and long-term supply resilience into category strategy and commercial planning.

The role is based in Dublin or Cork and operates on a hybrid working model.

You will be responsible for:

Business Partnership & Category Leadership

· Partner with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into sourcing strategies and execution plans.

· Lead category and sourcing strategies aligned to business priorities, portfolio needs, and supply network requirements.

· Provide commercial and market insights, including supplier landscape, capacity, cost, and benchmarking analysis, to support decision-making.

· Support make-versus-buy, network optimisation, and capacity planning to strengthen supply resilience and flexibility.

Strategic Sourcing & Contracting

· Lead end-to-end sourcing activities across external manufacturing, including EoI, RFI, RFP, RFQ, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.

· Drive sourcing execution and supplier selection, including CDMO engagements, ensuring technical, quality, supply, and commercial requirements are addressed.

· Lead contract development and negotiation with Legal, Quality, Technical, CMC, and business stakeholders, including CDAs, MSAs, and SOWs.

· Ensure sourcing and contracting compliance with Alexion procurement policies.

· Incorporate geopolitical and market intelligence into sourcing strategies, including diversification and dual-/multi-sourcing approaches to support business continuity.

Financial & Value Delivery

· Drive total cost of ownership optimisation through cost modelling, negotiation, benchmarking, demand consolidation, and value identification.

· Lead savings, cost reduction, cost avoidance, and broader value delivery initiatives in support of procurement and business targets.

· Support business cases and decision-making through commercial insight, financial analysis, and market data.

· Use digital, data-driven, and AI-enabled approaches to improve sourcing effectiveness, decision quality, and procurement efficiency.

You will need to have:

· Leadership experience in sourcing and category management within GMP pharmaceutical or biotech external manufacturing environments, including CDMO networks.

· Shown success in complex commercial negotiations, business issue resolution, and strategic supplier management.

· Experience working across global, cross-functional teams with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

· Strong project management, analytical, financial, and communication skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a complex environment.

· Experience in spend analysis and reporting to support sourcing and category decisions.

· Working knowledge of manufacturing, quality, and regulatory requirements in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.

· Ability to travel 10%.

We would prefer for you to have:

· A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Science, Business, Procurement, or a related field.

· Experience supporting clinical development or early-stage supply networks.

· Experience with Coupa

Date Posted

21-May-2026

Closing Date

04-Jun-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.