Associate Director, Canada Procurement
At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.
Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.
Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.
Introduction to role:
Are you ready to shape how we source and partner in Canada to accelerate access to medicines? Do you thrive in ambiguity, turning complex challenges into clear decisions that move the business forward? This role places you at the heart of how we deliver value, quality and speed—so more patients receive the medicines they need, more efficiently and sustainably.
You will lead the deployment of global category strategies in the Canadian market, translate shifting business needs into critical actions, and influence senior stakeholders across Finance, Legal and global/regional Procurement. In a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve, you will create clarity, steer high-impact sourcing, and build supplier partnerships that strengthen performance and resilience. You will join a supportive team that values ownership, pace and practical problem-solving—where your judgment and follow-through make a visible difference.
Accountabilities:
Market Leadership and Performance: Translate Canadian business priorities into pragmatic procurement strategies and actions. Partner closely with Finance, Legal and global/regional category leads to align on risk, opportunity and the best path to value.
Sourcing Strategy and Deal Optimization: Lead end-to-end sourcing events (RFP/RFQ) across indirect categories. Apply sound judgment to evaluate proposals, recommend suppliers and close negotiations that improve total cost, service quality and agility—even when inputs are incomplete.
Supplier Base and Sustainability: Increase use of preferred suppliers, consolidate demand, and leverage global agreements. Handle strategic supplier relationships for high-risk/high-spend categories and drive outcomes that support sustainability and risk mitigation.
Risk, Compliance and Contracting Excellence: Ensure adherence to procurement policies, regulatory requirements and audit standards. Recommend the right templates and contracting approach, lead new contract creation and renewals, and secure transparent benefit tracking and value realization.
Financial Value Delivery: Deliver measurable reductions in SG&A, CoGS and other costs, and improve cash generation through well-planned sourcing initiatives and meticulous contract negotiations.
Efficiency and Ways of Working: Prioritize day-to-day procure-to-pay activities, improve tools and workflows, and resolve bottlenecks that impact users. Use sophisticated analytics to accelerate decision-making in ambiguous situations and scale endorsed process improvements across the business.
Stakeholder Partnership and Guidance: Provide clear, proactive guidance on local requirements and market dynamics. Coach junior colleagues on sourcing and contracting standard processes, strengthening capability across the team and preparing the function for future growth.
Essential Skills/Experience:
7+ years of relevant procurement work experience, with a background operating in a complex, global organization, or heavily regulated industry.
Post-Secondary Diploma or Degree or equivalent experience in Procurement or a related field (Business, Finance or Supply Chain).
Experience in leading procurement initiatives (e.g., sourcing) aligned with enterprise-wide business/procurement needs.
Experienced with indirect procurement service categories.
Working knowledge of SAP and Coupa.
Experience with Microsoft Office Tools, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Data-driven mindset with advanced analytical skills including Pivot Table, Lookup formulas, Conditional Formatting, etc.
Experience in contract negotiations with an understanding of commercial terms & conditions, contract life cycle, legal parameters.
Strong interpersonal and business partnering skills.
Strong communications and presentation skills with ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbal and written, with ability to craft a message that gets through to the audience.
Strong influencing, negotiation, and analytical skills with ability to manage scoring for varied types of procurement projects and to evaluate pricing proposals.
Strong project management skills: ability to lead to multiple projects/tasks, prioritize and work in a demanding face-paced environment.
Desirable Skills/Experience:
Professional procurement certification (SCMP, CIPS or equivalent).
Experience deploying global category strategies in the Canadian market and aligning stakeholders in a matrixed environment.
Track record managing high-risk/high-spend supplier relationships and delivering sustainability outcomes in supply chains.
Proficiency with spend analytics and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
Bilingual English/French.
Lean Six Sigma and process improvement experience within procure-to-pay.
Experience in pharmaceuticals, healthcare or other highly regulated sectors in Canada.
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.
Why AstraZeneca:
Here, procurement is a performance engine for impact—bringing scientists, digital experts and suppliers around the same table to reimagine how we buy smarter and deliver faster for patients. You will be backed by significant investment, modern tools and a collaborative culture that values kindness alongside ambition. Expect real ownership, exposure to senior leaders and the chance to influence how we scale medicines sustainably, from cutting waste to supporting our environmental commitments. In this inclusive community, diverse voices challenge conventions and turn bold ideas into everyday practice.
Call to Action:
Take the lead in shaping how AstraZeneca Canada sources, negotiates and partners—share your story and show us how you will unlock value, speed and patient impact in this pivotal role.
Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:
Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.
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Annual base salary for this position ranges from 123,997.60 to 162,746.85.AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs. In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances.
In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (if applicable to role). Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program.
We are using AI as part of the recruitment process.
This advertisement relates to a current vacancy.
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