Job Description

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 2030 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 12–18 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

25-Mar-2026

Closing Date

07-Apr-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.