Associate Procurement Director

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

 

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven Biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. Our strategic priorities reflect how we are working to deliver our strategy and achieve our Purpose. As a workforce, we are the catalyst for our values: we are entrepreneurial; we do the right thing; we play to win; we put patients first and we follow the science. As a company we appreciate and take great pride in each team member where every person is brought together through shared values, that underpins a shared purpose. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energised.At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in International markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

 

 

ABOUT OUR PROCUREMENT TEAM

 

The Procurement Team is an integral part of Global Operations. We’re a high-performing and dynamic team with even higher expectations. Set up to adapt quickly to constant change – whether it’s new data or changes in the external environment – we are here to support and drive commercial strategies to make business successful. We’re flexible, agile, thinking outside the box, getting things done. We empower the business to perform at its peak and lead in new ways of working. We contribute to the development and drive implementation, of operational plans to achieve procurement strategy objectives for the business. We do it all at the highest compliance and governance standards and expect the same from other.

Given the space and support to prove ourselves, we speak up, embrace learning, seize opportunities, and make them happen in our own way. We understand how science impacts patients. It keeps us focused on the path of biggest impact, never distracted by commercial success alone.

 

 

What you’ll do?

Oversees the entire Procurement end-to-end process at local level aligned to required processes and KPI’s.  Handles complex management issues and provides guidance on all related issues, ensuring business continuity.  Confirms all sourcing arrangements are successful and aligned to company and area strategies.  Also manages supplier relationships where relevant. This role provides strategic direction, governance, and leadership to ensure procurement delivers cost efficiency, supply reliability, innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation. Reports directly to the Procurement Director (MEA), the incumbent will act as a key business partner to enable a competitive advantage for AstraZeneca.

 

Typical Accountabilities will include:

Acts as lead within remit and collaborates cross-functionally

Contributes to the development, and drives implementation, of operational plans to achieve procurement strategy objectives

Ensures procurement processes and supplier management are implemented in line with identified AstraZeneca policies, procedures and standards, to achieve agreed scope

Manages and monitors supplier spend ensuring ethical spend behaviours

Manages the business relationship with key suppliers and oversees the procurement process and customer satisfaction

Investigates current and future procurement needs, communicating them appropriately and translating them into specific requirements

Manages the demand and supply activities within areas of responsibility of Procurement

Oversees the introduction of new processes from the identification of business need, through to the timely introduction and formal acceptance of the change by all customers

Leads individuals within own section of Procurement to deliver the highest levels of performance and maintain both function and supplier relations

Provides clear leadership, direction, communication and development opportunities (where applicable) to enable meeting required objectives

In conjunction with Global Procurement Group, identifies and leads improvement initiatives and project teams in support of longer term business strategy

Develops and cultivates technical expertise and knowledge within project team or broader Procurement function by disseminating best practices and sharing knowledge across functions and project teams

Champion Sustainability including BBBEE Preferential Procurement within RSA.

Patient Safety: Adverse Reporting

Responsible for promptly collecting and reporting any adverse events and product quality complaints received from any source. All such cases must be documented accurately and submitted to the designated department within one business day of becoming aware of the information, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Responsible for completing Adverse Event training during initial onboarding and then annually thereafter.

 

 

If this sounds appealing, please read on to understand the experience and skills we’re looking for…

 

 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

 

Completed Bachelor’s Degree in related or similar discipline with Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Finance or Engineering. Degree level

Proven track record of strategic souring, supplier negotiations and procurement transformation in Pharma or FMCG, etc. Significant experience in similar environment at management level

7 years working experience as a Procurement Manager, coupled with minimum 2 years people leadership experience, including people leadership

Sound understanding of Safety, Health and Environment

Project management, change management and people management skills

Technical expertise in at least one Procurement area, and competence in several others

Communication skills and ability to influence others

Comfort with risk and ambiguous situations

Must have working knowledge of Procurement Systems / Tools i.e. SAP, Coupa, Procurement Reporting etc.

Sound technical knowledge of Procure to Pay process

Able to demonstrate achievement of key performance indicators i.e. Savings, Payment terms etc.

Experience in leading / collaborating with small teams

Must have experience & knowledge and adherence of BBBEE procurement requirements

Supervisory capability and team coaching and coordination

Stakeholder management

Ability to think critically and provide higher level analysis

Accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to work independently within policy frameworks

Excellent time management and ability to prioritise multiple tasks

Ability to interpret and follow policy requirements

Risk / Compliance Management, ability to identify risk in processes and implement improvements.

Able to demonstrate key negotiation skills including favourable payment terms and knowledge of Contracting process

Problem solving orientation with proactive follow up

 

Why AstraZeneca?

 

We are proud to have achieved Top Employer certification in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, for 2026. This distinction is a confirmation of our commitment and ability to sustain people, partnerships, and employee engagement and foster an innovative workplace environment.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in international markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

 

 

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

 

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Click the link to apply no later than 08 October 2026 and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.

 

 

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

 

Our social media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

 

Close Date: 08 October 2026

Date Posted

30-Sept-2026

Closing Date

07-Oct-2026

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.