Associate Director Lean

Job Title: Associate Director Lean

Introduction to role

The Associate Director of Lean is a vital member of the Lean Team, responsible for providing process, operational, and project leadership to one or more Process Execution Teams (PETs). This role is crucial in embedding a culture of Lean through the AstraZeneca Supply System (AZSS), integrating standard Lean practices into daily operations, enhancing the Lean capabilities of PET(s) leadership teams, and aligning activities to support the PET(s) strategy and scorecard. The role requires effective coaching, facilitation, teaching, and hands-on involvement to achieve tangible outcomes, with a focus on process teams.

Accountabilities

• Provide Lean expertise input to the development of Macclesfield Operation Lean Digital strategy and champion assigned workstreams

• Lead the development and execution of PET(s) Manufacturing Excellence plans while ensuring alignment with PET plans/scorecard and broader site Lean plans

• Influence “ways of working” by implementing standard practices directly with “process teams” and “leadership teams”

• Build the capability of PET and its application of AZSS through knowledge building and adoption of appropriate behaviors and standard practices

• Lead PET(S) and site portfolio projects and activities to realize agreed outcomes/benefits

• Provide Manufacturing Excellence expertise and keep track of technological and best practice developments within/outside AstraZeneca, assessing their impact on the function

• Manage the PET(s) “lean maturity review” and completion of agreed activities while ensuring consistency with broader PET/Site strategic plans

• Represent PET(s) on BPM governance team while ensuring appropriate support is provided to assigned BPO/EPO in the maturity of their processes

• Provide governance to PET(s) Improvement Council process

• Lead local PET(s) Lean Digital and Six Sigma networks ensuring alignment with other PET/Site networks and transfer of best practices

• Coach, teach, and mentor PET(s) Lean Facilitator ensuring their activities align with PET(s) Manufacturing Excellence and broader Plans

• Ensure relevance of technology to the problem is maintained and collaborate with local stakeholders to evaluate business impact/benefit of technology

• Present information and recommendations for discussion at higher levels within the business and influence decisions

• Support the UK-Operations TPM deployment and embed into current ways of working

• Lead, facilitate, and deploy PET continuous improvement strategy and annual target setting (including achievement)

Essential Skills/Experience

• Educated to degree level in Manufacturing or related technical/business discipline or equivalent experience

• Demonstrated significant industry-related experience in Lean/Six Sigma projects and programs within manufacturing

• Working knowledge of supply chain processes

• Proven experience of successfully deploying a variety of business analysis tools/techniques to enable business change

• Strong engagement, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including excellent presentation and influencing skills

• Experience managing high levels of risk by making complex judgments, developing innovative solutions, and applying a comprehensive cross-functional and industry understanding

• Experience managing and leading teams, both directly and in matrixed environments

• Proven experience working with complex integrated systems, developing digital products to deliver business benefits

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Six Sigma Black Belt training and/or certification from an accredited external Quality program

• Understanding of Good Automated Manufacturing Practice, current Good Manufacturing Practice, and regulations as defined by local regulatory bodies

• Practical usage of Agile Methodology

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 are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth for AstraZeneca and make people's lives better. We thrive in an environment where disciplined thinkers and doers seek out new challenges and work towards innovative solutions. With a supportive team backing you up, you'll be part of accelerating our operational excellence through cutting-edge science, Lean methodologies, and rapidly evolving digital technologies.

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

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.