Lean Capabilities Lead Director

Introduction to role

Are you ready to lead the charge in transforming how we deliver medicines to patients? As the Lean Capabilities Lead Director at AstraZeneca, you'll own the AstraZeneca Supply System (AZ SS) and guide a team of Lean experts.

Your mission? To ensure our Lean Standards and learning assets drive value, align with strategic goals, and are future-ready. With your extensive experience in organisational transformation, you'll translate Lean knowledge into business opportunities that add new value and reduce waste. Collaborate across teams to build Lean capabilities and influence global functions to embed Lean ways of working. Are you up for the challenge?

Accountabilities

• Lead a team of Lean experts to ensure Lean Standards and learning assets drive value and align with strategic goals.

• Act as a Lean inspiration and champion, leading the global lean governance network.

• Strategically direct and develop Global Lean Processes to support business requirements.

• Engage with Business Leaders and the Global Operations Lean Network for capability uplift and coaching.

• Collaborate with Global Operations Learning and Development, Digital & Data, and Lean Academy teams for a consistent capability uplift strategy.

• Work with Lean and Digital leaders to develop and implement strategic Lean plans.

• Provide coaching and identify Lean training interventions for AZ Network.

• Collaborate across Global Operations for an integrated approach to Lean and Digital application.

• Contribute to Lean strategic workforce planning across Global Operations.

• Set strategies for measuring and maintaining maturity against lean conditions.

• Conduct AZSS Maturity Reviews and drive value through coaching support.

• Utilise internal and external benchmarking to inform quality of Lean plans.

• Represent AZ externally as a brand ambassador for Lean practices.

• Develop and deliver projects to improve the Lean system for business goals.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Educated to undergraduate degree level in a Manufacturing, Engineering or related technical/business subject area

• Extensive experience as a Supply Chain generalist within a company/companies with innovative Lean practices

• Excellent track record of developing, adapting, and implementing valuable Lean strategies and programs aligned with the supply and commercial needs and priorities of the business

• Strong track record in change management gained in a global and highly competitive business environment

• Influencing the matrixed global organisation and a proven ability to lead and coach both senior leaders and direct/indirect reports

• Broad understanding of supply chain processes

• Deep understanding of Lean standard methodology from external sources and other related industries

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 GxP regulations as defined by local regulatory bodies

• Understanding of the principles of Human Organisational Performance within manufacturing and transactional process environments and proven ability to deploy HOP thinking and approaches successfully

• Understanding of Agile methodologies and connection to Lean principals

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, you'll find yourself in an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. Our commitment to delivering more medicines faster is backed by investment, leadership, and a clear plan. We thrive on challenges, constantly seeking new solutions in our dynamic environment. With opportunities for global careers, continuous learning, and impactful work, you'll be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

21-Jul-2025

Closing Date

06-Aug-2025

Our 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.

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.