Alliance Manager, CPSS China

Job Description / Capsule

Leads AstraZeneca’s Alliance Management activities for CPSS outsourcing in China, establishing and managing a locally enabled, globally aligned model for CRO partnerships.

Acts as the single point of coordination for all outsourced toxicology, bioanalytical, and emerging modality work across China, ensuring delivery against quality, timelines, cost, and compliance expectations.

Builds and develops strategic and operational relationships with China-based CROs, academic institutions, and innovation partners, translating global AstraZeneca standards into locally effective practices while maintaining the highest standards of ethics, regulatory compliance, and scientific integrity.

Operates at the interface of global CPSS strategy and China execution, strengthening vendor capabilities, enabling innovation, and supporting AstraZeneca’s long-term externalisation and “China as an innovation engine” ambitions.

Works independently with limited supervision, confidently navigating ambiguous, evolving, or to be defined processes and proactively shaping practical ways of working to deliver outcomes.

Typical Accountabilities

Acts as the single point of contact for all CPSS CRO partnerships in China across Safety Sciences and Bioanalysis

Establishes and maintains culturally aligned, high-performing partnerships with CROs, embedding AZ standards for quality, delivery, cost, sustainability, and ethics

Leads vendor performance management including scorecards, KPIs, issue tracking, and CAPA implementation

Conducts regular business reviews with vendor leadership to assess performance and align on strategic priorities

Builds strong relationships across CRO organisations from operational teams to executive leadership

Leads onboarding and integration of new China CRO partners, particularly those new to AstraZeneca

Conducts due diligence and site assessments in partnership with Quality and Global Animal Research Assurance (GARA)

Drives capability development plans to support progression from non-GLP to GLP-ready operations

Supports contracting strategy, collaborating with Procurement and Legal to align MSAs, SOWs, and commercial models

Oversees specialised partnerships for radioconjugate and complex modalities, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational requirements

Coordinates with global technical teams to align on standards, risk assessments, and quality expectations

Provides hands-on operational support for outsourced studies, including start-up coordination, vendor transitions, and issue resolution

Proactively identifies and resolves risks across scientific, operational, quality, and compliance domains

Drives root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions

Establishes governance frameworks including performance metrics, business review cadence, and escalation pathways

Leads risk management activities (TPRM, TIA, PIA) and ensures full compliance with AZ policies and China regulations

Maintains audit readiness and alignment with global quality systems and animal welfare standards

Maintains strong connectivity with global Alliance Management through consistent communication, shared tools, and standardised processes

Translates global standards into locally effective practices considering regulatory, cultural, and operational differences

Represents China perspective in global CPSS strategy discussions, providing insights on market trends and vendor capabilities

Supports innovation through collaboration with China-based academic institutions, start-ups, and technology partners

Identifies emerging capabilities within the China ecosystem aligned to CPSS priorities, including AI and new methodologies

Contributes to long-term vendor strategy and partnership development in China

Influences across a complex stakeholder landscape including CPSS functions, R&D China, Procurement, Legal, Quality, Privacy, and GARA

Communicates complex scientific and business information clearly across languages (Mandarin and English) and organisational levels

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

Experience managing CRO partnerships in pharmaceutical R&D, particularly in toxicology and/or bioanalytical studies

Strong understanding of CRO operating models, study execution, quality systems, and regulatory requirements

Demonstrated ability to manage vendors and improve performance across quality, timelines, and cost

Experience working in China or in cross-cultural/global environments

Strong scientific judgement to evaluate study designs, data quality, and vendor capabilities

Business acumen to assess performance, negotiate agreements, and drive value creation

Proven risk management and problem-solving capabilities in complex environments

Strong project coordination skills across multiple stakeholders and vendors

Fluency in Mandarin and English (written and verbal)

Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across functions and geographies

Ability to operate effectively without formal authority in a matrix organisation

Strong cross-cultural communication and relationship building capability

Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build new processes and ways of working

Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and make progress in ambiguous or evolving process environments

High integrity and commitment to compliance, quality, and ethical standards

Adaptability and resilience in dynamic and evolving environments

Desirable

Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in life sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, or related field

Experience with radioconjugate studies or other specialised modalities requiring enhanced safety oversight

Knowledge of China regulatory landscape (NMPA) and animal welfare standards

Experience supporting academic collaborations or start-up partnerships

Track record onboarding new CRO partnerships end-to-end

Familiarity with GLP regulations and quality system requirements

Exposure to digital tools or automation in vendor management

Date Posted

29-9月-2026

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.