Senior Quality Supplier Manager (SQSM)

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change we seize it and make it happen, because an opportunity no matter how small can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognising their potential.

The new Global Supplier Quality (GSQ) organisation manages Supplier Quality oversights for externally sourced materials to ensure that they comply with the AstraZeneca Quality Standard, are safe and effective and meet the required regulatory standards.  We do this through the execution by experienced and qualified Quality professions of the key pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) and supplier management business processes.

This is a diverse and interesting role working with the Suppliers and contractors. You will also collaborate with colleagues and customers across many countries and interacting cross-functionally with supply chain, supplier relationship, technical and project roles. Some travel is required along-side with a high level of independence for the role.

Key accountabilities

In this role, you will be responsible for assuring the quality of material received by AstraZeneca from the designated supplier portfolio by applying Global External supplier management processes. 

This will include managing and escalating, where appropriate, any Quality Systems oversights, product quality complaints and deviation investigations. 

You will drive quality improvements at the supplier as part of a cross function team.

Managing the quality aspects of major changes at the supplier including any technical improvements, regulatory interactions, supporting inspections and site transfers.

You will also plan, support and participate in Regulatory Agency inspections of supplier sites and as required perform Quality Audits within your technology area as a Guest Auditor.

You will provide expert QA advice to projects and this will include identifying and assessing suppliers, establishing Suppliers ways of working within Global Supplier Quality and supporting the Supplier through to regulatory approval.

Key to this role will be maintaining a high level of understanding of relevant production process and quality systems.

Essential skills:

• Bachelor degree in a science / technical field such as Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering or equivalent experience
• Proven broad experience with a minimum of 7 years relevant work experience“ in either the pharmaceutical operations environment or pharmaceutical Quality Assurance role
• Previous experience of working in a Managerial position
• Advanced level of written & spoken English
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of cGMPs, Quality Systems and the pharmaceutical supply chain environment. Also strong understanding of industry standards such as Pharmacopeia, ISO standards, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally and managing significant improvement initiatives (e.g. project management skills)
• Strong problem solving skills
• Strong negotiating/influencing skills
• Ability to work independently under your own initiative.

Desirable skills:

• Experience working in a PCO/PET organization or Lean/Six Sigma training.
• Multi-site / multi-functional experience - particularly within a manufacturing site environment.
• Proven experience in Quality Assurance or combination of Quality and Technical.

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.