Senior Site Specialist Material Planner

Site Senior Specialist Materials Planner Introduction to role In AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy division, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. We have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. This role is part of the Cell Therapy Site Supply Chain team located in Rockville, MD, tasked with supporting clinical cell therapy operations. Accountabilities As a Senior Site Materials Planner, you will be responsible for all elements of planning for assigned cell therapy raw materials used in manufacturing, QC, and development across the Rockville site. You will manage master data, execute material plans, and manage purchase orders to support on-time delivery to patients. You will ensure that required materials are available for operations. You will report to the Senior Director, Site Supply Chain. This position is based in Rockville, MD, onsite. Oversee materials requirement planning for assigned raw materials that support cell therapy manufacturing, QC and development required at the Rockville site using SAP. Own healthy donor apheresis (process starting material) planning and procurement to support autologous cell therapy manufacturing. Monitor and balance inventory levels across the Rockville site per demand and inventory policy, managing risk to ensure availability for production and development without excess and expiration of materials. Work with Global Planning team to adjust material supply plans based on local storage and resource constraints. Manage purchase orders to support production schedules ensuring no interruptions to development, clinical and commercial supply. Work with Logistics, Manufacturing, Procurement, Suppliers, and Quality to ensure materials are ready for use to support production schedules. Initiate relevant change controls and deviations, coordinate completion of tasks, and confirm closure of the process. Innovate and lead in terms of cost saving and efficiency. Align with safety, quality, and environmental policies and procedures. Assist in reconciliation of variances between purchase orders, invoices, shipments, and packing slips. Lead cross-functional team meetings to monitor and discuss site KPIs and metrics related to materials such as material ordering, material receipts/issuance, inventory stock levels on hand, material utilization and material transfers between sites. Help coordinate material returns and refund activities. Analyze inventory aging reports to ensure product losses are minimized due to obsolescence, expiration, slow movement, and excess. Coordinate with Engineering, QA, Manufacturing and Finance phase in/phase out of raw materials, as needed. Participate in S&OP/S&OE and communicate significant current/potential supply performance problems (capacity imbalance, non-compliant material, material shortage, supplier delays). Essential Skills/Experience Bachelor degree in business administration or related materials management field, or a science. Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in planning, preferably in a technical/scientific arena. Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing and regulatory/compliance requirements for pharmaceutical industry. Cell therapy experience desirable. Experience using SAP for Material Planning, Purchase Orders and Inventory Management – also experience with advanced planning tool desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required; experience with advanced functions and data analysis is a plus. Interpersonal skills to develop collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers. Excellent oral and written communication skills. An ownership mindset Understanding of business implications of decisions. General knowledge of chemicals, reagents, and other MRO materials common to the life sciences industry preferred ERP (Prefer SAP) implementation and scaling experience a strong plus Ability to see detail in context to overall processes Direct experience in Supply Chain planning, material requirements planning and purchasing, production scheduling for manufacturing - in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry or cell therapy preferred Professional certifications like CPIM or ASCM (APICS) are a plus The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $84,894.40 -- $127,341.60. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. Join us in our unique and bold world. AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can thrive by leading sustainability efforts across our sites. Our supportive team culture ensures that every voice is heard, fostering trust and respect among our teams. With opportunities for growth and development, you can make a real impact on patients' lives. Ready to make a difference? Apply now! #celltherapy Date Posted 23-Jun-2026 Closing Date 09-Jul-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. 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.