Procurement Manager CE

Unlock Your Procurement Potential with AstraZeneca: Procurement Manager, CE Cluster

This is an exceptional opportunity for a driven and strategic Procurement Manager to join AstraZeneca and significantly impact its operations across the Central European (CE) cluster. Based in the Czech Republic, this role offers a compelling blend of operational ownership and strategic influence, making it an ideal platform for career advancement in the pharmaceutical procurement landscape.

What Makes This Role Exciting?

AstraZeneca is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, and this Procurement Manager position offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of driving efficiency and excellence. You will have:

• Full Strategic Ownership: Take complete responsibility for procurement activities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, while also coordinating procurement strategies across the entire CE cluster (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary). This dual focus allows for both deep regional expertise and broad cluster-wide impact.
• Strategic Influence: Play a pivotal role in shaping the procurement strategy for the CE region, aligning it with global and regional AstraZeneca objectives. Your insights will directly contribute to company-wide financial goals and the delivery of high-quality products and services.
• Cost Management and Profitability: Lead the charge in cost management, developing annual procurement plans, tracking key categories, and consistently delivering targeted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with a strong emphasis on achieving annual savings.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivate and manage critical supplier relationships. This includes evaluating, negotiating, and renewing contracts, maintaining up-to-date supplier records, and building a robust Preferred Suppliers List.
• Market Insight and Innovation: Stay ahead of the curve by continuously monitoring the competitive landscape and conducting in-depth market research. This proactive approach will identify new opportunities and ensure AstraZeneca remains at the cutting edge.
• Process Improvement and Governance: Drive the implementation and adherence to procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related forms, ensuring efficient and compliant operations. Your role in tracking savings and supporting contract management will be crucial.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Procurement Specialists, Distribution & Procurement Leads, Regional Category Managers, Global Procurement Teams, and internal business units. This collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing and drives impactful outcomes.
• Leadership and Communication: Lead procurement training for business stakeholders, including onboarding new team members. Your role in communicating procurement news and initiatives will ensure everyone is aligned and informed.
• Impactful Reporting: Provide essential quarterly procurement overviews to cluster leadership and contribute to monthly dashboards and global procurement initiatives, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

This role is designed for a candidate who thrives in a dynamic environment and possesses a clear vision for their procurement career. Here’s what to consider:

• Scope of Responsibility: The opportunity to manage procurement for two distinct markets while coordinating a wider cluster offers significant professional growth and exposure.
• Strategic Impact: If you are looking to move beyond tactical purchasing and influence strategic decisions, this role provides that platform.
• Development of Negotiation Skills: The emphasis on contract evaluation, negotiation, and renegotiation will hone your commercial acumen and negotiation prowess.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Working across multiple countries within the CE cluster will enhance your understanding of diverse business practices and develop your international collaboration skills.
• Exposure to Global Procurement Practices: Involvement in global procurement initiatives and alignment with global teams will broaden your perspective and understanding of best practices in a large pharmaceutical organization.
• People Management Potential: While not explicitly detailed as a direct reporting line, the mention of "demonstrate experience in people management" suggests opportunities for leadership development and potential future people management roles.
• Continuous Learning: The need to stay abreast of market trends, implement new processes, and provide training indicates a commitment to continuous professional development within AstraZeneca.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

AstraZeneca is seeking individuals who possess a strong foundation in procurement and a proactive, results-oriented mindset. If you have:

• A university degree, preferably in economics.
• A minimum of 3 years of purchasing experience, ideally with exposure to indirect procurement categories.
• Proven strong negotiation abilities.
• Familiarity with project management principles.
• Fluency in both Czech and English (oral and written) is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with SAP and Coupa would be a significant advantage.
• An analytical mindset coupled with excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• A proactive communication style and a true team-player attitude.

This Procurement Manager role at AstraZeneca is more than just a job; it's a chance to be an integral part of a leading global healthcare company, shape procurement strategies, and contribute to a healthier future. If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to explore this exciting prospect.