Join AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Operations as the Associate Director, Site Supply Chain, leading end-to-end planning and site operations across our Tarzana and Santa Monica, CA manufacturing facilities. Reporting to the Site Supply Chain Director, you will set and execute the site supply chain strategy to ensure reliable, efficient production and uninterrupted supply of cell therapy products for patients in need. Partnering closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Global Supply Chain, you will drive the S&OE cadence, optimize capacity and inventory, enable new product introductions, and embed resilient processes and digital tools across the network. If you bring deep expertise in supply chain and capacity planning within cell therapy or advanced therapies, this is an opportunity to shape a rapidly scaling platform with meaningful patient impact.
What you’ll do
- End-to-end site operations planning: Lead the integrated site planning process for Tarzana and Santa Monica to support clinical and commercial manufacturing, including demand review, capacity evaluation, production scheduling, site slot management, and finite scheduling to optimize resources, cycle time, and throughput while maintaining compliance and quality. Ensure on-time availability and deployment of material through planning, scheduling, and replenishment strategies, and by taking appropriate actions to prevent supply disruptions. Responsible for maximizing inventory turns while minimizing inventory valuation and scrap.
- Manufacturing capacity and utilization planning: Build and maintain robust short-, mid-, and long-range capacity scenarios in partnership with Site Operations; balance labor, cleanroom suites, materials, and critical path steps to maximize utilization and agility.
- Change leadership: Own supply chain inputs to technical changes, process improvements, and new product introductions; conduct change assessments, de-risk launches, and ensure supply continuity through scale-up and tech transfer.
- Performance and resilience: Accountable for setting up and leading a robust monthly review process (S&OE) that validates the supply plan for the 0–36 month horizon. Improve service, inventory, and cost through standard work, process excellence, and digital enablement; implement planning governance, slotting rules, and exception management to strengthen S&OE and response to variability. Build tools for S&OE performance and KPI management to enable continuous improvement of site operations and execution.
- Cross-functional leadership: Lead and coach a high-performing team; align stakeholders across Manufacturing, Quality, MS&T, and Global Supply Chain; communicate clear priorities, risks, and trade-offs to senior leadership.
- Data and systems excellence: Drive maximum utilization of enterprise software (ERP), demand planning, slotting, and inventory optimization tools; translate complex data into actionable recommendations that elevate site operations.
Essential skills and experience
Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience in supply chain, operations, or related disciplines.
Minimum 2+ years executing site supply chain strategies that improve capacity, inventory levels, production efficiency, service levels, and overall reliability.
Advanced analytical capability with the ability to convert data and scenarios into clear recommendations and plans.
Demonstrated people leadership and cross-functional influence in GMP manufacturing environments.
Proficiency with ERP and advanced planning systems, demand planning and slot management tools, and inventory optimization solutions.
Desirable skills and experience
Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Sciences, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years across supply chain planning, demand forecasting, inventory management, and production planning—ideally in pharma/biotech—with specific experience in cell therapy or advanced therapies.
Strong knowledge of autologous cell therapy supply chains, including Make-to-Order and Make-to-Stock models, vein-to-vein considerations, and cell therapy capacity planning.
Experience implementing digital planning capabilities, network modeling, or scenario planning in highly regulated, high-mix/low-volume operations.
APICS/ASCM or equivalent certification preferred
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $124,069.60 - $186,104.40. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
At AstraZeneca, you'll find yourself immersed in a dynamic environment where innovation is at the forefront. With constant new products and launches, there's never been a better time to join our team. We thrive on adapting and innovating at pace, tackling varied challenges as we launch groundbreaking scientific products and novel medicines. Our commitment to quality ignites our passion for rapidly developing new processes that make a real difference.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be part of our journey to deliver life-changing medicines!
Date Posted
08-Oct-2026
Closing Date
15-Oct-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.