Supply Chain Robotics Lead

Supply Chain Technical Lead for Robotics – External Supply and Technical Operations Support 

Reporting to the Global Head for Cell Therapy Procurement, the Supply Chain Technical Lead for Robotics will support the ongoing robotic platform project within Cell Therapy Technical Operations. This role will be responsible for driving supply strategy, technical operations alignment, and external supplier engagement to enable successful deployment of robotic capabilities supporting AstraZeneca’s cell therapy ambitions. 

The position requires a strong combination of global supply chain experience, technical cell therapy knowledge, and operational execution capability. The individual will work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure that advanced raw materials, consumables, and supplier capabilities are in place to support development and future manufacturing needs. 

Key responsibilities 

• Lead supply chain and technical operations support for the cell therapy robotics project, ensuring alignment across timelines, materials, and operational requirements. 

• Partner with internal technical, manufacturing, procurement, and project teams to support implementation of robotic solutions within cell therapy operations. 

• Engage with external suppliers to identify, assess, develop, and manage sources for advanced raw materials, consumables, and enabling technologies. 

• Work closely with suppliers to design and refine material and consumable solutions that meet AstraZeneca’s technical and operational requirements. 

• Review, assess, and approve technical drawings and specifications for consumables, ensuring alignment with process, operational, and quality requirements. 

• Support commercial discussions with suppliers, including scope definition, negotiation, and procurement activities. 

• Help establish robust supply strategies for specialized materials  for robotic and cell therapy workflows. 

• Provide technical and operational input into material selection, process compatibility, and supply readiness. 

• Support forecasting, planning, and supply continuity for materials needed across development and operational activities. 

• Assess supplier capabilities, risks, and long-term scalability to support future cell therapy manufacturing needs. 

• Contribute to the development of external manufacturing and supply models that support AstraZeneca’s long-term cell therapy strategy. 

• Drive effective collaboration across global and cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution and issue resolution. 

Required experience and qualifications 

• Experience in global supply chain, preferably within cell therapy, or advanced biologics. 

• Strong technical and operational background in cell therapy manufacturing and/or cell therapy technical operations. 

• Experience working with advanced suppliers, including development, qualification, negotiation, and ongoing supplier management. 

• Demonstrated ability to support the design, sourcing, and procurement of complex or specialized raw materials and consumables. 

• Experience reviewing and approving technical drawings, specifications, and design documentation for consumables or specialized materials. 

• Strong understanding of the operational needs associated with cell therapy processes and manufacturing platforms. 

• Experience working across technical, operational, and commercial interfaces in a highly cross-functional environment. 

• Ability to manage ambiguity and support evolving project needs in an innovative and rapidly developing area. 

• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills. 

Preferred experience 

• Experience supporting automation or robotic platform implementation in a GMP, development, or advanced therapy environment. 

• Familiarity with consumables strategy, BOM planning, material forecasting, and supplier readiness for specialized manufacturing systems. 

• Experience working with external manufacturing partners or contract development and manufacturing organizations. 

• Understanding of supply chain considerations for novel, customized, or platform-specific materials.