Director Global Performance Excellence, Cell Therapy

The role holder provides technical leadership either as an expert lead or through leadership of small to medium sized clinical studies to ensure effective collaboration between the project teams. Will develop and build or act a specialist expert within a cross-functional multi-skilled team compromised of experts across a range of products within Astra Zeneca to drive continuous improvement. The CTCO Site Management and Monitoring (SMM) and Patient Operations organization, a global-based organization with staff in over 20 countries, is responsible for leading the delivery of clinical trials at a country level ensuring high quality study data is collected in a timely and productive way to support Cell Therapy R&D studies from phase I to phase III. The Cell Therapy Site Management and Monitoring (DSMM) Director, Global Performance Excellence, reports into the SMM Global Head and is responsible for Performance excellence and oversight for the countries. This person is a key member of the Leadership teams, playing a lead role in ensuring the CTCO field maximize and optimize portfolio delivery and country footprint for volume, quality, speed & costs in the country grouping. This person is also responsible for delivering the optimal operating model and operational efficiency for CTCO field. In addition to Gaithersburg, MD, this role may also be based in Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA; Santa Monica, CA; or Wilmington, DE, offering flexibility across these locations. Country Performance Excellence: Partnering with the Regional Heads, the Director Global Performance Excellence (GPE) this individual is responsible for supporting and monitoring all aspect of performance excellence and oversight at a global level. Accountabilities include: Support CTCO field & stand-alone country Leadership Teams in the local implementation, management & execution of the Global Performance Excellence strategies related to processes & systems agreed at global level Key interface between the Global Performance Excellence group / Country level functions. Compiles and present the performance metrics across CTCO field, utilising analytics, KPIs and automation of reporting to deliver clear outputs to countries and to leadership. Responsible for overall oversight of capacity management, ensuring they remain within targets, whilst delivering the portfolio. Supports Country leaders with budget leadership and oversight. Responsible for the Operational Excellence plan for CTCO field and/or the stand-alone country, driving delivery and change and providing regular oversight to CTCO field leadership. Responsible for local sourcing strategy including overseeing Work Orders (WOs) management, execution of the 3PRM process and partnering with key vendors at a CTCO field level and providing feedback to the Global Governance Team relevant to the agreed KPIs with the vendor Responsible for centralizing and optimizing local finance and other processes to include PO creation and management of key systems such as SAP and COUPA and Investigational product management Responsible for CTCO field compliance to financial processes and supports training related to this for LSADs and local leadership. Also coordinates and supports local finance audits as required and ensures adherence to the Financial Control Framework overall. Working with CTCO field leadership, supports and develops processes and systems to optimize business partnering to include External partners, procurement and alliance management. Supporting Country Footprint strategy in the CTCO field – partnering with CROs to develop footprint in non-AZ markets. Support for Global Performance Excellence initiatives: The role will also support the Director, GPE Lead in delivering global support on various Global Performance activities to include: Supporting the implementation of outsourcing strategies to ensure optimal and flexible sourcing models are implemented, delivering top tier industry metrics (time, cost, quality) Support for CTCO field Algorithms and systems, ensuring to reliably estimate demand for the function. Supporting large cross country project deliverables Partnering with Country Leadership, ensure creation and adherence to country budgets. Represents CTCO field in cross-functional groups and leads process improvement projects globally Accountabilities: The job holder requires a high level of cultural sensitivity, interactive communication, negotiation and effective collaboration. Drive and build collaborations internally and externally between CTCO stakeholders to ensure input to, and delivery of all internally delivered clinical trials Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience. Previous experience of working in Clinical Research at a country, regional or global level Extensive experience in accounting, financial control/analysis and/or operational excellence programs. Ability to effectively influence and communicate and ability to engage, influence and collaborate across boundaries with a problem solving and delivery focus Ability to assimilate complex information and identify key issues and message Strong experience of working across a global organization in various functions, particularly finance, commercial, clinical operations, development operations Understanding of regulatory/statutory requirements and governance principles/SOX Project Management experience Ability to look for and champion more efficient and effective methods/processes Ability to quickly master new systems and tools Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, negotiation skills, collaboration, and interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment Benefits offered include: A qualified retirement program [401(k) plan] Paid vacation, holidays, and paid leaves Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage following the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. The annual base salary for this position ranges from $172,000 to $257,000. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). #Hybrid #CellTherapy Date Posted 11-Jun-2026 Closing Date 10-Jun-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.