Associate Director, Travel Procurement

Job description

Are you ready to shape how a science-led company travels across EMEA and turn data into smarter, more sustainable journeys? Based in our Lisbon Hub, you will be the internal face of travel for the region, steering strategy and technology so that our people can connect where it matters most—safely, efficiently and with measurable impact! You will lead the regional travel programme and technology roadmap, modernising our technology landscape to elevate the traveller experience while delivering against financial, carbon and performance targets. Join us and advise senior leaders, translating complex data into clear commercial decisions, and galvanising markets and suppliers around a shared plan. Accountabilities Business Analysis and Strategic Planning : Use data to identify trends, shape regional strategy and prioritise actions. Monitor performance against financial, carbon and service targets, translate operational data into actionable recommendations, and develop and present reviews and dashboards that align with regional and market goals. Programme Management and Policy Oversight : Partner with local sourcing and category managers, data analysts and key suppliers to deliver measurable value. Lead innovation and improvements across the travel technology landscape, drive the continuous enhancement of travel policies to optimise spend, experience and sustainability, and support the rollout of Travel for Meetings across EMEA. Stakeholder Engagement and Change Leadership : Act as a trusted adviser to business leaders, aligning solutions with operational and strategic needs. Lead change management and communications to drive adoption of travel technologies and programmes, build strong networks across diverse stakeholder groups, present market-by-market value opportunities, and demonstrate regular delivery against approved plans. Function and Process Ambassadorship : Meet internal requirements for sourcing processes, tools and governance. Champion best practice across the region and invest in your own development in AI and emerging technologies to enhance programme performance. Regional Leadership : Serve as the internal face of travel across EMEA, aligning regional and market priorities, ensuring consistency where it matters and tailoring solutions to local needs. Risk, Sustainability and Compliance : Ensure policy adherence and audit readiness, handle programme risks, embed carbon-reduction levers and track progress against targets. Essential Skills and Experience A degree, equivalent experience or relevant professional qualification. Significant experience in corporate travel, with a strong understanding of Online Booking Tools (OBTs), Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and New Distribution Capability (NDC). Extensive programme-management experience, with a proven ability to manage change and deliver results. Strong analytical and financial skills, with demonstrated experience using data to drive strategic decisions. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Power BI and Excel, with the ability to build compelling presentation narratives and analytical models. The ability to act significantly by synthesising information from multiple sources and translating operational outcomes into commercial impact. High personal impact and gravitas, with excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to influence senior leadership teams. A passion for innovation and a commitment to continuously challenging the status quo to improve processes and outcomes. Knowledge of Concur Travel & Expense and how Workday HR systems integrate with it. Knowledge of the travel management company (TMC) operating model. Desirable Skills and Experience Experience in supplier management. Working at AstraZeneca 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 is why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. However, that does not mean we are not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world! Why AstraZeneca Here, your expertise fuels outcomes that matter: we unite diverse minds across the enterprise and our partners to turn bold ideas into practical solutions that help our medicines reach patients. You will work with people who combine commercial acumen with curiosity, move quickly, share openly and challenge conventions, all while modernising tools and ways of working. We value kindness alongside ambition, give you the freedom to experiment, and support you with the visibility and investment needed to grow your impact across a truly global landscape. Apply Now If you are ready to lead EMEA travel from Lisbon, modernise our technology and convert insight into measurable value, take the next step and make your mark where your work moves people and accelerates progress. Date Posted 16-Sept-2026 Closing Date 26-Sept-2026 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.