Senior Director Clinical Advanced Planning Project

Senior Director Clinical Advanced Planning Project

Macclesfield, UK

Are you ready to architect a next-generation Advanced Planning System that unites demand and supply to accelerate clinical medicines to patients? This is a pivotal, hands-on leadership role delivering an integrated, automated planning landscape that transforms how we make decisions and deliver for our pipeline.

You will lead a complex, multi-country programme to design, build, and implement an enterprise-grade APS, automating S&OP/S&OE and embedding robust processes, data, and planning logic across our clinical supply network. You will bring together diverse experts in planning, technology, quality, and data to define the future operating model, including the role of AI and Agentic AI. Can you bring people with you — aligning different voices, building buy-in, and turning bold ideas into adopted practice?

Accountabilities

APS Strategy and Design — Lead end-to-end design of a fully integrated and automated Advanced Planning System for clinical supply planning, aligned to portfolio and patient delivery outcomes.

Future-State Operating Model — Define capabilities, roles, and ways of working for the next-generation planning model, including the responsible use of AI/Agentic AI to improve speed, accuracy, and scenario planning.

Business Requirements to Design — Translate business requirements into system configuration, process design, data structures, and planning logic that scale globally.

End-to-End Integration — Ensure the solution aligns with end-to-end clinical supply processes from demand signal through manufacturing, packaging, and distribution.

Governance and Stakeholder Leadership — Run cross-functional programme governance; secure decisions at pace and maintain strong engagement across global teams.

Standardisation and Data — Drive standardised processes and common data definitions; partner closely with enterprise process owners to embed consistency.

Compliance and Validation — Lead GxP-compliant validation, testing, and deployment; uphold audit readiness and data integrity.

Value Realisation — Define clear performance metrics; track benefits in service, cost, risk, and cycle time to demonstrate measurable impact.

Change and Adoption — Lead change management, communications, and training to ensure sustained adoption and capability uplift.

Risk and Vendor Management — Anticipate and manage programme risks and issues; lead external vendors to outcomes, quality, and timeline.

Strategic Contribution — Shape long-term planning and digital strategies, building a platform for continuous improvement.

Integrated Project Plan — Build and maintain a single, integrated plan that connects scope, schedule, resources, dependencies, and budget.

Delivery to Time and Budget — Execute with discipline, meeting milestones and financial commitments.

People Leadership — Provide matrix leadership to a global programme team; develop talent and create a high-performing, mission-focused environment.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree in a relevant field

• Extensive clinical supply chain planning experience

• Proven system implementation leadership

• Strong planning and APS knowledge

• Understanding of GxP requirements

• Strong stakeholder leadership skills

• APS platform experience (Kinaxis, o9, SAP IBP)

• Proven track record of innovation and cutting-edge thinking

• Familiarity with data management and data governance

Desirable Skills & Experience

• N-side supply app experience

• Clinical supply chain experience

• Process governance and BPM knowledge

• Vendor management experience

Why AstraZeneca?

Here, your leadership turns complex operations into tangible patient impact. You will work with cutting-edge planning technology, data, and AI alongside colleagues who combine rigour with creativity, bringing diverse expertise to the same whiteboard to solve real problems at speed. We back bold ideas with the support and resources to make them stick, pairing high ambition with genuine kindness and respect. You will help shape how our global network plans, makes, and moves clinical supplies, advancing a leaner, more sustainable future while growing your influence across strategic programmes that matter.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite ambitious 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 high-reaching world.

Ready to make an impact? If you are ready to lead EU customs compliance that keeps vital medicines moving and turn complexity into impact, send us your application and shape what ships next!

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/ 

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en 

Date Posted

09-Sept-2026

Closing Date

22-Sept-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.