Job Description

Associate Director, Medical Communications Procurement

Mississauga, Canada

Hybrid Work- on average 3 days/week from office

The Procurement Associate Director, Medical Communications role supports the development and execution of the global category strategy and initiatives across Medical Communications, with a particular focus on partnering with our supplier partners at the business unit and capability level. You'll be the subject matter specialist in indirect sourcing and partner proactively with stakeholders across AstraZeneca Procurement and business units to implement category strategies, lead priority initiatives, enable scope definition, demand management, manage supplier performance and innovation within assigned areas.

What you'll do

Category Management Strategy Execution

Support the development of the global category strategies for Medical Communications and lead the execution of regional and cross business unit plans within assigned subcategories (e.g. Medical Education and Training, Medical Publications, Medical Meetings, Medical Strategy, Medical Information).

Stakeholder Engagement

In alignment and collaboration with Procurement Business Partners, build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to align on needs, outcomes, timelines, and risk profiles; communicate recommendations clearly and persuasively.

Market Intelligence

Contribute insights on supply market dynamics, agency/holding company models, AdTech/Martech, and measurement processes to inform strategy refreshes and business cases.

Supplier Analysis & Management Supplier Landscape

Maintain an understanding of the supplier ecosystem spanning creative agencies including trends, threats and opportunities for the supply base and customers.

SRM Support

Co-lead or independently manage supplier relationship management governance for assigned agencies/suppliers, including QBRs, performance scorecards, metrics, and corrective action plans; escalate risks and opportunities as needed. Coordinate supplier engagements spanning multiple therapeutic areas and markets to promote consistency, quality, compliance, and value.

Financial, Cost, and Spend Analysis Spend Analytics

Analyze spend patterns and baselines to identify value opportunities such as rate harmonization, scope optimization, inventory value, media transparency, and pricing/fee model improvements. Build working knowledge of cost and value drivers by subcategory and region, including media rate cards, non-working/working ratios, tech fees, data costs, and production drivers; support should-cost modeling and benchmarking. Prepare analyses for savings, cost avoidance, quality, and growth/value delivery; document benefits in alignment with Finance and stakeholders.

Project Management and Delivery

Lead sourcing activities and program implementations including tools, systems, RFPs and all day to day activities as a result of the sourcing or category strategy execution.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Facilitate cross-functional teams through structured decision-making and project milestones; manage timelines, risks, and communications emerging from chemistry session outcomes.

Negotiations, Contracts, and Risk Management Negotiation Execution

In collaboration with Procurement's Global Sourcing and Contracting teams, develop and complete negotiation strategies for rate cards, rebates, discounts, commercial terms, data/technology fees, and additional value components, and performance incentives. Set expectations and refine contract commercial terms; own and support MSAs, SOWs, and other associated contracts. Partner with Legal on risk, IP, data privacy, brand safety, compliance, and audit rights.

Governance

Ensure adherence to AZ policies, ethical standards, and sustainability expectations (including responsible media, DEI, and environmental considerations) across all engagements.

What Success Looks Like

Delivery of measurable value (savings, cost avoidance, quality, and effectiveness) against category targets and project objectives. High stakeholder satisfaction and repeat sponsorship for engagements. Robust supplier performance, compliance, and continuous improvement within assigned scope. Consistent adherence to AZ policies and strong risk and brand safety management practices.

Essential for the role

Bachelor's degree 6+ years of experience in strategy, operations, and/or procurement within a sophisticated environment, preferably across Medical Communications, Marketing, Services, and/or Measurement/analytics categories. Subject matter expertise in indirect and medical communications -related spend categories. Demonstrated experience in data analysis, spend analytics, and should-cost modeling. Experience managing complex supplier relationships and performance routines. Proficiency in advanced negotiations across varied commercial models and deal structures, including media transparency and audit provisions. Collaborative, proactive, and able to translate business and brand objectives into procurement strategies and tangible outcomes. Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis, spend analytics, and should-cost modeling Proven project management skills; comfortable balancing multiple priorities, stakeholders, and timelines in a matrixed environment. Clear, concise communicator who can influence without authority and present persuasive recommendations to business leaders. Demonstrates curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement; builds constructive, trust-based relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.

Desirable for the role

Direct experience in Medical Communications or complex services procurement categories Familiarity with media efficiency/effectiveness metrics and measurement methodologies

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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.