Senior Site Specialist Material Planner

Site Senior Specialist 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 Cell Therapy Site Supply Chain team located in Rockville, MD, tasked with supporting clinical cell therapy operations.  

Accountabilities  

As a Senior Site Materials Planner, you will be responsible for all elements of planning for assigned cell therapy raw materials used in manufacturing, QC, and development across the Rockville site. You will manage master data, execute material plans, and manage purchase orders to support on-time delivery to patients. You will ensure that required materials are available for operations.  You will report to the Senior Director, Site Supply Chain. This position is based in Rockville, MD, onsite.  

• Oversee materials requirement planning for assigned raw materials that support cell therapy manufacturing, QC and development required at the Rockville site using SAP.  

• Own healthy donor apheresis (process starting material) planning and procurement to support autologous cell therapy manufacturing.  

• Monitor and balance inventory levels across the Rockville site per demand and inventory policy, managing risk to ensure availability for production and development without excess and expiration of materials.  

• Work with Global Planning team to adjust material supply plans based on local storage and resource constraints.  

• Manage purchase orders to support production schedules ensuring no interruptions to development, clinical and commercial supply.  

• Work with Logistics, Manufacturing, Procurement, Suppliers, and Quality to ensure materials are ready for use to support production schedules.  

• Initiate relevant change controls and deviations, 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.  

• Lead cross-functional team meetings to monitor and discuss site KPIs and metrics related to materials such as material ordering, material receipts/issuance, inventory stock levels on hand, material utilization and material transfers between sites.  

• Help coordinate material returns and refund activities.  

• Analyze inventory aging reports to ensure product losses are minimized due to obsolescence, expiration, slow movement, and excess.  

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

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

Essential Skills/Experience  

• Bachelor degree in business administration or related materials management field, or a science. 

• Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in planning, preferably in a technical/scientific arena.    

• Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing and regulatory/compliance requirements for pharmaceutical industry.  Cell therapy experience desirable.  

• Experience using SAP for Material Planning, Purchase Orders and Inventory Management – also experience with advanced planning tool desirable.  

• 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.  

• An ownership mindset  

• 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  

• Ability to see detail in context to overall processes  

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

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

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $84,894.40 -- $127,341.60.  Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. 

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.  Join us in our unique and bold world.  

AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can thrive by leading sustainability efforts across our sites.  Our supportive team culture ensures that every voice is heard, fostering trust and respect among our teams. With opportunities for growth and development, you can make a real impact on patients' lives.