Clinical Supply Chain Commercial Drug Strategy Lead (Pharma)
About Astellas
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?
We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Astellas’ Global Capability Centres – Overview
Astellas’ Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are strategically located sites that give Astellas the ability to access talent across various functions in the value chain and to co-locate core capabilities that are currently dispersed. Our three GCCs are located in India, Poland and Mexico.
The GCCs will enhance our operational efficiency, resilience and innovation potential, enabling a timely response to changing business demands.
Our GCCs are an integral part of Astellas, guided by our shared values and behaviours, and are critical enablers of the company’s strategic priorities, sustainable growth, and commitment to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients.
Location and Working Environment
This is a permanent role based in our Global Capability Centre in Warsaw, Poland and hybrid working with the expectation for some office presence. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.
At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
Purpose & Scope
The CSC Commercial Drug Strategy Lead is a global Clinical Supply Chain role responsible for the end to end strategy, sourcing, and supply assurance of commercially available drugs used across the Astellas clinical development portfolio.
This role establishes centralized ownership for commercial drug sourcing within CSC, consolidating global demand to enable early planning, pooled inventory, proactive risk management, and more predictable study execution. The role partners closely with Clinical Operations, CMC PM, Procurement, Regulatory, and external suppliers to support uninterrupted supply and fiscal stewardship across the clinical pipeline.
Role and Responsibilities
- Serve as CSC owner for commercial drug strategy, demand consolidation, and global sourcing across the clinical development portfolio. Aggregate and forecast demand across studies, phases, and regions to enable proactive planning, reduce emergency sourcing, and improve supplier alignment.
- Partner with Procurement to support supplier engagement and negotiations, leveraging consolidated volume to optimize costs, minimize waste, and strengthen supply reliability. Monitor spend and market dynamics to identify cost reduction, cost avoidance, and alternative sourcing opportunities.
- Evaluate and participate in industry networks to track supplier capabilities, risks, and emerging trends. Assess innovative sourcing models (e.g., specialized wholesalers, direct-to-site, manufacturer agreements) to enhance supply stability.
- Proactively mitigate supply risks impacting study start up, enrollment, and patient continuity through contingency planning and escalation pathways. Collaborate with study teams and local teams to execute local sourcing when needed.
- Engage early with CSC and Clinical Operations during protocol and country planning to anticipate needs and avoid delays. Establish governance, documentation, metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen compliant, scalable sourcing capabilities.
Required Qualifications
- Pharma supply chain experience, ideally across clinical and/or commercial drug sourcing with understanding of clinical trials and comparator/commercial drug use.
- Ideally a pharmacy degree.
- Proven background in supplier management and negotiations (critical capability).
- Ability to work globally and manage complexity across regions and stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and financial mindset (forecasting, cost control, optimization).
- Confident communicator who can influence without direct authority.
- Fluency in English.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with clinical site assisted sourcing models (e.g., managed pharmacy or comparator sourcing services).
- Experience delivering cost reduction, waste reduction, or sourcing optimization initiatives.
- Global experience working across regions with differing regulatory and supply market dynamics.
What awaits you at Astellas?
- Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
- Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
- Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
- A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
- Impact
- Innovation
- Integrity
- One Astellas
- Accountability
- Courage
- Sense of Urgency
- Outcome Focus
Benefits
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help.
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