Global Category Director – DTC and HCP Media

Job Description

Introduction to role

Are you ready to lead the charge in transforming media procurement on a global scale? We are looking for a visionary Global Category Director – DTC and HCP Media to spearhead our media procurement strategy across diverse markets. This pivotal role involves driving price, product, and process improvements, managing agency partnerships, and integrating sustainability, innovation, and generative AI into the media service chain. As a strategic partner to global and regional brand, marketing, and digital teams, you'll shape the future of media investments to effectively reach patients and healthcare professionals. If you have 10–12 years of procurement experience, deep media landscape knowledge, and a knack for influencing global teams, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact!

Accountabilities

• Define and lead the global category strategy for DTC and HCP Media, ensuring alignment with business objectives, compliance standards, and ESG commitments.
• Deliver price, product, and process improvement solutions across media planning, buying, measurement, and technology partnerships.
• Optimize media performance across all paid channels including TV, digital, programmatic, search, social, and endemic HCP platforms.
• Embed sustainable media practices through supplier ESG evaluations, emissions measurement, and responsible investment frameworks.
• Collaborate with commercial, brand, and omnichannel marketing teams to identify and activate innovation opportunities in targeting, content delivery, and audience analytics.
• Manage global supplier performance with contract frameworks, KPIs, scorecards, and quarterly business reviews.
• Champion the development and scaling of generative AI capabilities within procurement processes for media planning, analytics, and content performance.
• Ensure global consistency in sourcing approaches while supporting local execution and regional marketing needs.
• Uphold internal governance, privacy, and regulatory compliance in all aspects of media procurement.

Essential Skills/Experience

• 10–12 years of procurement experience, with a strong track record in DTC and/or HCP media procurement in a global or regional role
• Proven success delivering price, product and process improvement solutions within the pharmaceutical or healthcare media ecosystem
• Deep expertise in media agency operations, marketing technology, media transparency, and performance management
• Experience implementing or partnering on generative AI initiatives to enhance data-driven decision-making in procurement or marketing
• Demonstrated ability to integrate sustainability principles into sourcing strategies and supplier engagement models
• Strong executive presence and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence across regions, brands, and functions
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, MBA) a plus
• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus

What We Offer

• A highly visible global leadership role at a top-tier pharmaceutical company

• The opportunity to shape the future of DTC and HCP media procurement through digital innovation and sustainable practices

• Access to a collaborative, cross-functional network across procurement, marketing, digital, and ESG teams

• Competitive compensation, long-term incentives, and flexible work arrangements

• A culture that values innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and measurable impact

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we embrace diversity of experience and skills within our international team. Our adaptable and agile environment encourages stepping outside comfort zones to drive continuous improvement. With strategic minds ready to challenge conventions, we react rapidly to changing business requirements. Our work is meaningful; it impacts lives by ensuring transformative science is delivered consistently. Join us on this exciting journey as we evolve and grow our global organisation.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our dynamic team!

Date Posted

17-Jul-2025

Closing Date

31-Jul-2025Our 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.