Job Title: Head of Small Molecule Network Strategy
Location: Gartuna ~ Sweden / Macclesfield - UK
Introduction to role:
Are you ready to design a future-ready small molecule network that accelerates breakthrough therapies to patients while scaling global delivery with precision? This role shapes how we bring our pipeline from molecule to medicine—connecting capacity, technology, and capital decisions to tangible results for patients and the business!
You will lead the strategy for our global small molecule network, aligning US expansions, contract manufacturing partnerships, and restructuring options with evolving modalities and market needs. Working closely with science, engineering, manufacturing, supply, tax, and finance partners, you will turn sophisticated choices into confident direction—creating a resilient, efficient network that can move faster, cost less, and do more. How will you use your influence and analytical rigor to optimize where and how we make and supply medicines?
Accountabilities:
Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive small molecule network strategy across global operations, setting clear direction and measurable outcomes.
Supply Footprint Evaluation: Lead strategic evaluations of our supply chain footprint, including make-vs-buy decisions and optimization of contract manufacturing partnerships to improve agility and cost.
Strategic Initiatives Delivery: Deliver major initiatives, including US capacity expansions and potential restructuring programs, ensuring timely, effective execution and risk management.
Pipeline Integration: Collaborate with PT&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Global Engineering, and GSSD's to integrate emerging pipeline technologies and modalities into the network strategy, enabling rapid scale-up.
Team Leadership: Lead a team of platform experts to fully optimize our small molecule network and make it fit for future, building capabilities and standards that raise performance across sites.
Asset Utilization and Efficiency: Evaluate and optimize asset utilization, identifying network optimization opportunities and efficiency improvements that unlock capacity and reduce total delivered cost.
Capital Allocation and CapEx Prioritization: Provide strategic input on capital allocation decisions with direct accountability for CapEx prioritization, balancing growth, risk, and return.
Senior Representation: Represent Global Operations in senior cross-functional decision-making forums, framing trade-offs and guiding alignment across science, commercial, and finance leaders.
Business Partnership and Influence: Partner closely with PT&D, Manufacturing, Tax and Finance; influence product development processes to ensure effective supply chain design for new products and fit to emerging technology platforms; challenge and align senior partners on strategic choices.
Essential Skills/Experience:
1. Develop and implement comprehensive network strategies across AstraZeneca's global operations
2. Lead strategic evaluations of our supply chain footprint, including make-vs-buy decisions and contract manufacturing partnerships
3. Deliver major pivotal initiatives such as our major US expansions and potential restructuring initiatives
4. Collaborate cross-functionally with PT&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Global Engineering, and GSSD's to integrate emerging pipeline technologies into our network strategy
5. Lead team of platform experts to fully optimize our small molecule network and make it fit for future
6. Evaluate and optimize asset utilization, visualising opportunities for network optimization and efficiency improvements
7. Design the small molecule network to support AstraZeneca's exciting pipeline of breakthrough therapies and emerging modalities while also managing growth of existing products and the impacts of LoE on older products
8. Provide strategic input on capital allocation decisions with direct accountability for CapEx prioritization
9. Represent Global Operations in senior cross-functional decision-making forums
10. Partner closely with PT&D, Manufacturing, Tax and Finance
11. Influence product development processes to ensure effective supply chain design for new products and fit to emerging technology platforms
12. Challenge and influence senior partners across the organization when strategic alignment is needed
Desirable Skills/Experience:
13. Deep experience in small molecule manufacturing and supply network strategy across multiple geographies
14. Proven leadership delivering large-scale capacity expansions, tech transfers, and restructuring programs in highly regulated environments
15. Track record optimizing contract manufacturing networks, including governance, performance management, and risk diversification
16. Strong financial foresight with demonstrated CapEx business case development, portfolio prioritization, and ROI analysis
17. Expertise in integrating emerging modalities and digital/Lean practices into network design
18. Ability to navigate LoE dynamics while sustaining growth for established products
19. Advanced degree or equivalent experience in engineering, supply chain, operations management, or business (MBA or equivalent preferred)
20. Exceptional partner influence skills, operating credibly with senior science, operations, tax, and finance leaders
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash ambitious 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. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
Why AstraZeneca:
Here, your strategic decisions ripple across a truly global network—turning pioneering science, digital innovation, and disciplined execution into faster access to medicines for patients. You will work with unexpected teams in the same room, unlocking bold thinking while building long-term capabilities and exposure at scale. We back big moves with investment and trust, and we value kindness alongside ambition, giving you the support to lead complex change and the runway to grow your impact.
Call to Action:
Lead the transformation of our small molecule network and shape how more patients receive life-changing medicines—apply today and make your mark today!
Date Posted
27-Jan-2026
Closing Date
17-Feb-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.