The NPI Planner (Senior Manager) is accountable for end-to-end supply planning for
first commercial launches
across all modalities, owning planning activities from
36 months pre-launch through 12 months post-launch
, followed by a structured transition to the Supply Planning organisation.
This is an
exciting opportunity
to be part of an organisation with
strong growth ambitions and a robust pipeline
, targeting the launch of
multiple new products before ****
.
The role operates in a high-ambiguity environment, often managing
multiple NPIs in parallel with staggered launch timings
, and plays a critical role in
reducing launch risk
, ensuring the right inventory is in the right place at the right time, and enabling timely patient access to new therapies.
The NPI Planner sits at the centre of launch decision-making, providing
baseline assumptions, scenario-based insights, clear recommendations, and proactive risk escalation
to senior leadership through Global S&OP forums.
Accountabilities
NPI Planning Ownership
Own baseline supply planning for NPIs from
36 months prior to first commercial launch through 12 months post-launch
Plan across
all modalities
(biologics, small molecules, devices, combination products)
Develop, maintain, and actively challenge key planning assumptions and parameters, including:
Demand uncertainty and ranges during the first
***** months post-launch
Capacity readiness, constraints, and flexibility
Lead times, yields, inventory policies, and launch buffers
Define, manage, and track launch planning targets (service level, inventory positioning, and milestone adherence)
Governance, Tools & Data
Execute NPI planning using a structured
Smartsheet NPI checklist
, ensuring strong governance, documentation, and audit-ready traceability, while
continuously updating and improving the checklist
to embed lessons learned and evolving best practices.
Ensure
master data and planning alignment within OMP
, including accurate NPI setup, parameters, and scenarios
Actively support and contribute to the
NPI Stage Gate process
, ensuring planning readiness, assumptions, and risks are aligned to gate decisions and approvals
Scenario & Range-Based Planning
Lead range-based planning and scenario modelling within OMP
Assess launch supply risks and trade-offs, including CDMO-related variability (capacity, lead times, yields, change readiness),
Translate outputs into clear impacts, recommendations, and mitigations for review at Global S&OP Supply Reviews.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication
Act as the supply planning representative within the
Global Operations Launch Team
Partner closely with the
NPI Project Senior Manager
to align:
Integrated launch timelines and critical milestones
Planning assumptions and cross-functional dependencies
Readiness criteria linked to
NPI stage-gate decisions
Prepare and deliver high-quality
PowerPoint presentations
for Global S&OP forums
Confidently engage senior stakeholders, clearly communicating risks, trade-offs, and recommendations
Proactively identify and
escalate risks to launch readiness
in line with evolving timelines and governance expectations
Transition to Supply Planning
Lead a structured handover of plans, assumptions, risks, and documentation to Supply Planning teams following
12 months post-launch
Ensure continuity of planning ownership and stable supply performance post-transition.
Essential Skills/Experience
8–10+ years
' experience in supply planning, NPI, or launch planning within biopharma
Demonstrated experience supporting
first commercial product launches
Experience working across complex, multi-modality supply chains
Strong hands-on experience with
OMP (or a similar advanced planning system)
Proven capability in
scenario modelling, range-based planning, and executive-level communication
High proficiency in
Smartsheet, Power BI, Excel, and PowerPoint
Structured, risk-based thinker comfortable operating with incomplete data and evolving assumptions
Desirable Skills/Experience
APICS certification
(CPIM and/or CSCP) or equivalent professional supply chain qualification
Project management certification
(e.g. PRINCE2 or equivalent)
Experience with
SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA
, with
SAP S/4HANA preferred
Experience working in organisations with mature
IBP / S&OP governance
Why AstraZeneca
Here, your planning acumen directly accelerates access for some of the most underserved patients.
You will work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and high-urgency launches, combining the energy of a nimble biotech with the reach and rigor of a global biopharma.
We bring unexpected teams into the same room to unleash bold thinking, act with urgency, and turn insight into action.
You will be surrounded by people who value kindness alongside ambition, who invest in your growth, and who expect your voice at the table as we reimagine how quickly and reliably new therapies can reach those who need them most.
Call to Action
If you are ready to turn uncertainty into launch certainty and build the supply backbone for life-changing medicines, we want to hear how you will make it happen!
Date Posted
03-Mar-****
Closing Date
02-Mar-****
Our 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.
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