Associate Director, Contract Operations

At AstraZeneca, we're focused on turning innovative science into life-changing medicines and making them accessible to patients worldwide!

The Associate Director, Contract Operations for Purchase Based Contracts, will oversee the full cycle of Market Access contract operations, from contract development and execution through to membership, claims administration and rebate payment processing. They will lead a team of Contract Operations analyst/managers shaping strategy, ensuring compliance, driving operational excellence, and champion adoption and on-going use of AI-enabled solutions to support accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of contract obligations. This leader partners cross-functionally to inform business decisions and maintains the highest standard of contract and claims operations.

Key Responsibilities

As Associate Director, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all Market Access contract operations, encompassing contract execution, compliance, claims management, rebate payment analysis, and documentation.

• Lead and develop a team of Contract Operations analysts/managers, setting goals, managing priorities, and coaching team members to deliver high-quality results and professional growth.

• Ensure accurate interpretation, execution, and maintenance of contracts, including oversight of standard operating procedures, contract templates, and process improvements.

• Implement and promote the use of analytical tools and AI solutions to monitor contracts, administer claims, and identify operational efficiencies.

• Guarantee adherence to compliance, audit, and SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) controls in all contract operations activities, in partnership with Audit, Compliance, and Legal.

• Collaborate closely with internal partners—such as Finance, Customer Facing Teams, Portfolio Contract Strategy, Legal, Compliance, and Brand teams—to align contract operations with business strategies and support financial reporting, forecasting and accruals.

• Oversee customer data management and ensure data quality and system accuracy, supporting master data maintenance and ongoing process improvement.

• Represent Contract Operations at industry meetings, external engagements, and with key customers, communicating AstraZeneca’s standards and priorities externally.

• Analyze and report on contract performance, market trends, payment accuracy, and compliance, providing actionable insights to leadership and cross-functional partners.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, customer service, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare, or related field.

• 3 plus years of pharmaceutical or healthcare experience

• Strong strategic, financial, and analytical skills – including contract strategy, forecasting, process improvement, and business modelling.

• Deep understanding of Market Access operations, claims processes, healthcare delivery, and the external factors that impact contract management.

• Knowledgeable in compliance, audit controls, and contract system operations (including working knowledge of Model N or similar platforms).

• Proven leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to influence and partner at senior levels.

• Passion for leading and developing people with visible enthusiasm and energy 

Preferred

• 7+ years experiencein pharmaceutical contract operations or a related healthcare field,demonstrated experience managing teams

• 5+ years of contracting experience 

• Past experience in introducing innovation, applying technology, and guiding teams in new solutions (including tools and analytics). 

• MBA or advanced degree.

• Thorough understanding of AZ business model and Market Access landscape.

Key Relationships

• You will collaborate with Finance, Legal, Compliance, Access Strategy, Brand and Therapeutic Area teams, as well as external counsel, industry organizations, and customers.

At AstraZeneca, you’ll find opportunities to grow, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the power to help shape the future of healthcare. Imagine yourself here—because we’re eager to welcome you!