Associate Director, Site Supply Chain

About the role

Lead end-to-end planning and site operations across AstraZeneca’s Tarzana and Santa Monica, CA manufacturing facilities. Reporting to the Site Supply Chain Director, you will set and execute the site supply chain strategy to ensure reliable, efficient production and uninterrupted supply of cell therapy products. Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Global Supply Chain to drive the S&OE cadence, optimize capacity and inventory, enable new product introductions, and embed resilient processes and digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integrated site planning process for Tarzana and Santa Monica to support clinical and commercial manufacturing, including demand review, capacity evaluation, production scheduling, site slot management, and finite scheduling to optimize resources, cycle time, and throughput while maintaining compliance and quality.
• Ensure on-time availability and deployment of material through planning, scheduling, and replenishment strategies, and by taking appropriate actions to prevent supply disruptions.
• Maximize inventory turns while minimizing inventory valuation and scrap.
• Build and maintain robust short-, mid-, and long-range capacity scenarios in partnership with Site Operations; balance labor, cleanroom suites, materials, and critical path steps to maximize utilization and agility.
• Own supply chain inputs to technical changes, process improvements, and new product introductions; conduct change assessments, de-risk launches, and ensure supply continuity through scale-up and tech transfer.
• Set up and lead a robust monthly review process (S&OE) that validates the supply plan for the 0–36 month horizon. Improve service, inventory, and cost through standard work, process excellence, and digital enablement; implement planning governance, slotting rules, and exception management to strengthen S&OE and response to variability.
• Build tools for S&OE performance and KPI management to enable continuous improvement of site operations and execution.
• Lead and coach a high-performing team; align stakeholders across Manufacturing, Quality, MS&T, and Global Supply Chain; communicate clear priorities, risks, and trade-offs to senior leadership.
• Drive maximum utilization of enterprise software (ERP), demand planning, slotting, and inventory optimization tools; translate complex data into actionable recommendations that elevate site operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience in supply chain, operations, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 2+ years executing site supply chain strategies that improve capacity, inventory levels, production efficiency, service levels, and overall reliability.
• Advanced analytical capability with the ability to convert data and scenarios into clear recommendations and plans.
• Demonstrated people leadership and cross-functional influence in GMP manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency with ERP and advanced planning systems, demand planning and slot management tools, and inventory optimization solutions.

Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Sciences, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years across supply chain planning, demand forecasting, inventory management, and production planning—ideally in pharma/biotech—with specific experience in cell therapy or advanced therapies.
• Strong knowledge of autologous cell therapy supply chains, including Make-to-Order and Make-to-Stock models, vein-to-vein considerations, and cell therapy capacity planning.
• Experience implementing digital planning capabilities, network modeling, or scenario planning in highly regulated, high-mix/low-volume operations.
• APICS/ASCM or equivalent certification preferred.

Pay

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $124,069.60 to $186,104.40. Base pay offered may vary depending on market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, this position offers a short-term incentive bonus opportunity, eligibility to participate in an equity-based long-term incentive program, and a qualified retirement program (401(k) plan).

Benefits

• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid leaves
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage