Associate Director, Medical Communications Procurement Mississauga, Canada Hybrid Work- on average 3 days/week from office The Procurement Associate Director, Medical Communications role supports the development and execution of the global category strategy and initiatives across Medical Communications, with a particular focus on partnering with our supplier partners at the business unit and capability level. You'll be the subject matter specialist in indirect sourcing and partner proactively with stakeholders across AstraZeneca Procurement and business units to implement category strategies, lead priority initiatives, enable scope definition, demand management, manage supplier performance and innovation within assigned areas. What you'll do Category Management Strategy Execution Support the development of the global category strategies for Medical Communications and lead the execution of regional and cross business unit plans within assigned subcategories (e.g. Medical Education and Training, Medical Publications, Medical Meetings, Medical Strategy, Medical Information). Stakeholder Engagement In alignment and collaboration with Procurement Business Partners, build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to align on needs, outcomes, timelines, and risk profiles; communicate recommendations clearly and persuasively. Market Intelligence Contribute insights on supply market dynamics, agency/holding company models, AdTech/Martech, and measurement processes to inform strategy refreshes and business cases. Supplier Analysis & Management Supplier Landscape Maintain an understanding of the supplier ecosystem spanning creative agencies including trends, threats and opportunities for the supply base and customers. SRM Support Co-lead or independently manage supplier relationship management governance for assigned agencies/suppliers, including QBRs, performance scorecards, metrics, and corrective action plans; escalate risks and opportunities as needed. Coordinate supplier engagements spanning multiple therapeutic areas and markets to promote consistency, quality, compliance, and value. Financial, Cost, and Spend Analysis Spend Analytics Analyze spend patterns and baselines to identify value opportunities such as rate harmonization, scope optimization, inventory value, media transparency, and pricing/fee model improvements. Build working knowledge of cost and value drivers by subcategory and region, including media rate cards, non-working/working ratios, tech fees, data costs, and production drivers; support should-cost modeling and benchmarking. Prepare analyses for savings, cost avoidance, quality, and growth/value delivery; document benefits in alignment with Finance and stakeholders. Project Management and Delivery Lead sourcing activities and program implementations including tools, systems, RFPs and all day to day activities as a result of the sourcing or category strategy execution. Cross-Functional Leadership Facilitate cross-functional teams through structured decision-making and project milestones; manage timelines, risks, and communications emerging from chemistry session outcomes. Negotiations, Contracts, and Risk Management Negotiation Execution In collaboration with Procurement’s Global Sourcing and Contracting teams, develop and complete negotiation strategies for rate cards, rebates, discounts, commercial terms, data/technology fees, and additional value components, and performance incentives. Set expectations and refine contract commercial terms; own and support MSAs, SOWs, and other associated contracts. Partner with Legal on risk, IP, data privacy, brand safety, compliance, and audit rights. Governance Ensure adherence to AZ policies, ethical standards, and sustainability expectations (including responsible media, DEI, and environmental considerations) across all engagements. What Success Looks Like Delivery of measurable value (savings, cost avoidance, quality, and effectiveness) against category targets and project objectives. High stakeholder satisfaction and repeat sponsorship for engagements. Robust supplier performance, compliance, and continuous improvement within assigned scope. Consistent adherence to AZ policies and strong risk and brand safety management practices. Essential for the role Bachelor’s degree 6+ years of experience in strategy, operations, and/or procurement within a sophisticated environment, preferably across Medical Communications, Marketing, Services, and/or Measurement/analytics categories. Subject matter expertise in indirect and medical communications -related spend categories. Demonstrated experience in data analysis, spend analytics, and should-cost modeling. Experience managing complex supplier relationships and performance routines. Proficiency in advanced negotiations across varied commercial models and deal structures, including media transparency and audit provisions. Collaborative, proactive, and able to translate business and brand objectives into procurement strategies and tangible outcomes. Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis, spend analytics, and should-cost modeling Proven project management skills; comfortable balancing multiple priorities, stakeholders, and timelines in a matrixed environment. Clear, concise communicator who can influence without authority and present persuasive recommendations to business leaders. Demonstrates curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement; builds constructive, trust-based relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Desirable for the role Direct experience in Medical Communications or complex services procurement categories Familiarity with media efficiency/effectiveness metrics and measurement methodologies Great People want to Work with us! Find out why: GTAA Top Employer Award for 11 years Top 100 Employers Award Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture Learn more about working with us in Canada View our YouTube channel Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today! AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com. Date Posted 11-Nov-2025 Closing Date 24-Nov-2025 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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.
