Associate Quality Director - External Quality

Job Description

The incumbent is responsible for the Quality management of assigned External Suppliers within Procurement Quality AsiaPac teams. They are responsible for all Quality activities that directly support execution of Quality Management of Suppliers for assigned suppliers. This includes, but is not limited to, the Quality System oversight and/or performance of the following activities: change control, product quality complaint, S&L complaint and deviation investigations, quality issue management and escalation, Quality Agreements (establishment and maintenance) between AZ and External Suppliers and between EQ and AZ Operations Sites.

Within the External Quality (EQ) organization the job holder is responsible for the oversight and ownership of Quality System(s). They will support the Quality Professionals involved in Quality Supplier and Product Supply Chain Management within the assigned categories.

In addition, the preparation and submission of periodic Supplier Quality Assessments, Regulatory Agency interactions and serving as Quality leaders on NPI, new supplier introductions, In Licensing, strategic sourcing projects, process optimization and product transfer projects, as these relate to Quality Supplier management, are within the scope of this role. Regulatory Agency interaction includes preparation for, and management of, Regulatory Agency inspections at External Suppliers and AZ sites (when External Suppliers are assessed).

Skill-set　Mandatory

•Strong demonstrated knowledge of cGMPs, Quality Systems and the pharmaceutical supply chain environment. Also strong understanding of industry standards such as Pharmacopeia, ISO standards, etc.

•Excellent oral and written communication skills [English and local language(s)]

•Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally and managing significant improvement initiatives (e.g. project management skills)

•Strong problem solving skills

•Strong negotiating/influencing skills

•Ability to work independently under his/her own initiative.

License　Mandatory

Bachelor degree in a science / technical field such as Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering (Note: there may be specific additional requirements depending on the regulations in each country). Proven broad experience in either the pharmaceutical operations environment or pharmaceutical Quality Assurance role.

Experience　Nice to have

•Experience working in a PCO/PET organization or Lean/Six Sigma training.

•Multi-site / multi-functional experience

•Proven experience in Quality Assurance or combination of Quality and Technical

•Masters Degree in Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs or other advanced scientific field

Languages　Mandatory

•Japanese：N1 level

•English：TOEIC 800+

Others　Mandatory

•Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required approximately 10% of their time.

Others　Nice to have

•PCO members or equivalent team

•Category/Sub Category Team members

•Quality and other support groups within or across sites

•Regulatory Affairs (including GQO CMC RC)

•GQO

•Global Supply Managers/Directors

•Pharmaceutical, Technology and Development, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Work Location

Osaka/Maihara/Tokyo

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.