Global Materials Planner

Introduction to role:

In AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy division, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. We have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. This role is part of the Global Cell Therapy Supply Chain team tasked with supporting Clinical and Commercial production across multiple sites.

Accountabilities:

As a Global Materials Planner, you will be responsible for all elements of planning cell therapy raw materials used in manufacturing, QC, and development across multiple manufacturing and development sites in our Cell Therapy network. You will create and execute materials planning processes and place and manage purchase orders to support on-time delivery to patients. You will report to the Associate Director, Cell Therapy Global Material Planning. This position is preferably based in Gaithersburg, MD, but could possibly be based in CA (Santa Monica or Tarzana), or Gaithersburg, MD with at least three days per week onsite.

• Lead materials planning of critical cell therapy manufacturing and QC raw materials across the manufacturing and development network using SAP.

• Monitor and balance inventory levels across the cell therapy network per demand and inventory policy, leading risk to ensure availability for production and development without excess and expiration of materials

• Work with Global Product Planning and manufacturing sites to adjust materials supply plans based on local storage and resource constraints

• Lead planning material master data and oversee maintenance of timely transactions in SAP to provide accurate demand and supply visibility and planning

• Create and manage purchase orders to support production schedules ensuring no interruptions to production

• Work with Logistics, Manufacturing, Procurement, Suppliers, and Quality

• Initiate relevant change controls and deviation waivers, coordinate completion of tasks, and confirm closure of the process

• Innovate and lead in terms of cost saving and efficiency

• Align with safety, quality, and environmental policies and procedures

• Assist in reconciliation of variances between purchase orders, invoices, shipments, and packing slips

• Monitor vendor delivery performance, days on hand and related quality issues

• Help Coordinate material returns and refund activities

• Analyze expected stock loss reports to ensure product losses are minimized due to expiration, slow-moving, excess

• Coordinate with Engineering, QA, Production and Finance phase in/phase out of raw materials as needed

• Participate in S&OE and communicate significant current/potential supply performance problems (capacity imbalance, noncompliant material, material shortage, supplier delays)

Essential Skills/Experience:

• 6+ years with BS/BA in related field, or 4+ years with MS/MA or MBA in related field

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required; experience with advanced functions and data analysis is a plus

• Interpersonal skills to develop collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Understanding of business implications of decisions

• General knowledge of chemicals, reagents, and other MRO materials common to the life sciences industry preferred

• ERP (Prefer SAP) implementation and scaling experience a strong plus

• Highly thorough with ability to see detail in context to overall processes

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Professional certifications like CPIM or ASCM (APICS) are a plus

• Experience with advanced planning tools

• Direct experience and solid understanding of Supply Chain planning, material requirements planning and purchasing, production scheduling for manufacturing - in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry or cell therapy preferred

• Knowledgeable of cGMP manufacturing and regulatory/compliance requirements for cell therapy and pharmaceutical industry

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.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can lead sustainability efforts across our sites. Be part of fulfilling AstraZeneca's ambitious sustainability strategy by promoting sustainable work practices and spotting opportunities for improvement. We understand the critical role we play in helping to eliminate emissions from operations by 2025.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now! #celltherapy

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $84,894.40 - $127,341.60. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Date Posted

18-May-2026

Closing Date

24-May-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.