Alliance Manager, CPSS China

Job Description / Capsule 

Leads AstraZeneca’s Alliance Management activities for CPSS outsourcing in China, establishing and managing a locally enabled, globally aligned model for CRO partnerships. 

Acts as the single point of coordination for all outsourced toxicology, bioanalytical, and emerging modality work across China, ensuring delivery against quality, timelines, cost, and compliance expectations. 

Builds and develops strategic and operational relationships with China-based CROs, academic institutions, and innovation partners, translating global AstraZeneca standards into locally effective practices while maintaining the highest standards of ethics, regulatory compliance, and scientific integrity. 

Operates at the interface of global CPSS strategy and China execution, strengthening vendor capabilities, enabling innovation, and supporting AstraZeneca’s long-term externalisation and “China as an innovation engine” ambitions. 

Works independently with limited supervision, confidently navigating ambiguous, evolving, or to be defined processes and proactively shaping practical ways of working to deliver outcomes. 

Typical Accountabilities 

•  Acts as the single point of contact for all CPSS CRO partnerships in China across Safety Sciences and Bioanalysis 

•  Establishes and maintains culturally aligned, high-performing partnerships with CROs, embedding AZ standards for quality, delivery, cost, sustainability, and ethics 

•  Leads vendor performance management including scorecards, KPIs, issue tracking, and CAPA implementation 

•  Conducts regular business reviews with vendor leadership to assess performance and align on strategic priorities 

•  Builds strong relationships across CRO organisations from operational teams to executive leadership 

•  Leads onboarding and integration of new China CRO partners, particularly those new to AstraZeneca 

•  Conducts due diligence and site assessments in partnership with Quality and Global Animal Research Assurance (GARA) 

•  Drives capability development plans to support progression from non-GLP to GLP-ready operations 

•  Supports contracting strategy, collaborating with Procurement and Legal to align MSAs, SOWs, and commercial models 

•  Oversees specialised partnerships for radioconjugate and complex modalities, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational requirements 

•  Coordinates with global technical teams to align on standards, risk assessments, and quality expectations 

•  Provides hands-on operational support for outsourced studies, including start-up coordination, vendor transitions, and issue resolution 

•  Proactively identifies and resolves risks across scientific, operational, quality, and compliance domains 

•  Drives root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions 

•  Establishes governance frameworks including performance metrics, business review cadence, and escalation pathways 

•  Leads risk management activities (TPRM, TIA, PIA) and ensures full compliance with AZ policies and China regulations 

•  Maintains audit readiness and alignment with global quality systems and animal welfare standards 

•  Maintains strong connectivity with global Alliance Management through consistent communication, shared tools, and standardised processes 

•  Translates global standards into locally effective practices considering regulatory, cultural, and operational differences 

•  Represents China perspective in global CPSS strategy discussions, providing insights on market trends and vendor capabilities 

•  Supports innovation through collaboration with China-based academic institutions, start-ups, and technology partners 

•  Identifies emerging capabilities within the China ecosystem aligned to CPSS priorities, including AI and new methodologies 

•  Contributes to long-term vendor strategy and partnership development in China 

•  Influences across a complex stakeholder landscape including CPSS functions, R&D China, Procurement, Legal, Quality, Privacy, and GARA 

•  Communicates complex scientific and business information clearly across languages (Mandarin and English) and organisational levels 

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Essential 

•  Experience managing CRO partnerships in pharmaceutical R&D, particularly in toxicology and/or bioanalytical studies 

•  Strong understanding of CRO operating models, study execution, quality systems, and regulatory requirements 

•  Demonstrated ability to manage vendors and improve performance across quality, timelines, and cost 

•  Experience working in China or in cross-cultural/global environments 

•  Strong scientific judgement to evaluate study designs, data quality, and vendor capabilities 

•  Business acumen to assess performance, negotiate agreements, and drive value creation 

•  Proven risk management and problem-solving capabilities in complex environments 

•  Strong project coordination skills across multiple stakeholders and vendors 

•  Fluency in Mandarin and English (written and verbal) 

•  Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across functions and geographies 

•  Ability to operate effectively without formal authority in a matrix organisation 

•  Strong cross-cultural communication and relationship building capability 

•  Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build new processes and ways of working 

•  Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and make progress in ambiguous or evolving process environments 

•  High integrity and commitment to compliance, quality, and ethical standards 

•  Adaptability and resilience in dynamic and evolving environments 

Desirable 

•  Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in life sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, or related field 

•  Experience with radioconjugate studies or other specialised modalities requiring enhanced safety oversight 

•  Knowledge of China regulatory landscape (NMPA) and animal welfare standards 

•  Experience supporting academic collaborations or start-up partnerships 

•  Track record onboarding new CRO partnerships end-to-end 

•  Familiarity with GLP regulations and quality system requirements 

•  Exposure to digital tools or automation in vendor management