Job Title: Director, Technology Alliance Management (Alliance Lead)
Location: Durham, NC
Introduction to the role:
Be part of a dedicated Research & Development team. Fueled by our commitment to help more patients, strengthen our pipeline and grow our area. This is the place to go beyond discovery – we think holistically about patients and are always learning from those living with diseases.
The Alliance Management (AM) group sits within BioPharma Clinical Operations and is accountable for setting the sourcing strategy across R&D and managing adherence to it. They ensure our suppliers deliver to the needs of the organizations and develop strong, beneficial partnerships with key suppliers.
About the role:
The role of the Alliance Management Director is to act as the Alliance Lead for one or more supplier(s). They will be responsible for ensuring the supplier(s) are meeting the operational needs of the customers; ensuring alliance effectiveness, appropriate communications, ensuring that selected partners deliver to contract; and that strong relationships with the external suppliers are created and maintained. This role will support and lead Patient Recruitment and Retention.
Accountabilities:
Supplier / Model Governance
Accountable for the alliance management of one or more supplier(s) within or across service line(s)
Proactively identifies and manages risks at the supplier/model/service line level
Serves as point of contact for issue escalation to AM for their assigned supplier (s), and key in ensuring solutions are identified in collaboration with the business stakeholders. Facilitates resolution of any operational issues that impact delivery
Leads operational governance of the supplier(s)/ service line(s)
In collaboration with the AM Group Lead, contributes to executive level governance meetings; and contributes to or leads model level governance and supplier council forums, as required
Acts as audit Sponsor and/or audit co-ordinator for AZ led supplier audits as applicable
Supplier / Model Quality and Performance
With the AM Group Lead ensures definition of appropriate Metrics and SLAs for the supplier within the MSA
Monitors quality and performance of service deliverables in alignment with the MSA
Ensures that selected suppliers deliver to contract and that strong relationships with the external suppliers and internal customers are created and maintained
Ensures effective visibility of supplier performance to relevant stakeholders
Ensures ongoing assessment and integration of Lessons Learned for suppliers / models/service lines
Seeks opportunities to drive efficiencies and continuous improvement within supplier and model/service lines
Study Team Support
Ensures understanding of roles and responsibilities across delivery teams for assigned delivery model(s) / service line(s)
Works with AM Process Integration Lead, internal subject matter experts and counterparts in supplier organizations to ensure the effective use and maintenance of interface processes / ways of working (e.g. Alliance Handbooks)
Alliance Management Development
May have responsibility for line management or coaching of junior members of the team
Serves as a delegate for the AM Group Lead for specific tasks or activities, as necessary
May support or lead key critical initiatives within AM and contribute to initiatives outside of AM
Essential Requirements
University degree in related field, or equivalent (Phd/MSc preferred, BSc required with 10+ yrs of experience within the pharmaceutical industry or clinical research organization
Strong experience from within the pharmaceutical industry or clinical research organization
Detailed knowledge of clinical and pharmaceutical drug development process at various phases of development
Experience of working successfully with external partners / managing relationships
Experience of directing alliance governance frameworks and processes (incl performance metrics)
Strong leadership and influencing skills, especially without authority
Strong collaboration skills across global and functional boundaries
Excellent conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills
Ability to work with agility to solve problems that involve many decision makers, and develop multiple options/recommendations
Familiar with ICH GCP and related guidelines and practices
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.
Make a more meaningful impact to patients’ lives around the globe! Apply today!
Date Posted
15-Dec-2025Closing Date
06-Jan-2026Our 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.