AstraZeneca’s purpose is to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. It underpins everything we do in Global Operations and gives us a reason to come to work every day.

With around 12,500 people in 30 production facilities across 18 different countries, we account for around 20% of AstraZeneca’s global workforce.  Our internal team is supported by an external network of approximately 200 contract manufacturing organisations and over 1,600 suppliers who work across more than 60 brands.

In Global Operations, we all bring our best selves to work, challenging and supporting each other every day, and making a difference in the quest to save and improve lives.

The Role – Global Supply Planner (GSP within GSC&S)

Global Supply Chain and Strategy (GSC&S) is accountable for managing AZs End to End Supply chains. It has both tactical and strategic responsibilities with Global Planning focusing on tactical optimization of the supply chains and plans.

The purpose of the GSP role is to orchestrate, drive and lead the global planning process for our AZ products. Through supply chain excellence practice, monitor performance and future assumptions to balance supply and demand for the End-to-End product supply chain; assuring customer service whilst optimizing inventory and cost.

The GSP is accountable for leading the product End-to-End planning for the tactical horizon. Balancing demand and supply volumes, inventory and asset capacity utilization to deliver a balanced and executable End-to-End plan that strikes the right balance between customer service levels/risk, inventory and cost. The role manages mid-range constraints mitigation for assigned brands and is responsible for the definition and design of the supply chain lead times and stock pockets, including providing input to all key supply chain decision points.

Main Responsibilities:

Balancing Supply and Demand Plans
You will create an overall End-to-End Supply and capacity plan (in collaboration with the asset planners at sites and within GES) ensuring product demands can be met for the current year +2 horizon. If the supply and demand plans cannot be balanced the GSP is accountable for the development of options and associated risks and for securing commitment to the overall global resolution plan and then ensuring the plan is executed and progress is communicated. Responsible for monitoring the overall Customer service performance of the chain.

Sales & Operations Planning Process
You will lead the Global monthly Product S&OP process for assigned product families in a standardized manner in line with the global planning calendar in order to deliver the balanced and executable end-to-end (E2E) plan, manage demand and supply exceptions and escalate issues to senior levels where necessary. To efficiently do this you will practically have the sites working together to deliver an integrated interdependent supply plan across all nodes, captured in our SAP planning platform APO, and manage the performance and balancing exceptions through the S&OP cycle.

Inventory Management
You will create and maintain a tactical long-term plan for inventory in the context of the budget (in collaboration with asset planners in sites and GES and MCAMs in Regions) defining stock targets throughout the chain including planned performance improvements that meets the budget, taking account of cost of goods targets.

Budget Preparation & Process
You will play a key role in making sure assumptions are aligned for budget and LRP (Long Range Plan) work and signs off the brand production volume and inventory role up.

Master Data Management
You will work to maintain integrity and accuracy for APO SNP relevant master data for the assigned product families and work with local planners to ensure ERP data used by APO is standardized and fit for purpose.

Capabilities and Skills

• A degree or equivalent in Business, Logistics, Sciences or Engineering is preferred, equivalent experience will be considered.
• Strong prior experience in Supply Chain Environment (Manufacturing, Planning) and Sales & Operations Planning process
• Advanced Supply Chain (inventory, capacity and network) planning skills.
• APICS / CSCP or equivalent certification
• Understanding of Supply Chain planning parameters and master data integrity & quality.
• Strong leadership skills to drive the S&OP team and lead issue management improvement initiatives.
• Experience in collaboration with the key interfaces in the End-to-End Supply chain and between Supply Chain and Commercial functions.
• Experience in stakeholder management and strong influencing skills to address the need of engagement with senior stakeholders.
• Experience in working in a Global environment with multiple cultures.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.