Associate Director for Operational Excellence - Site Operational Excellence Lead

Join us at AstraZeneca, where we are using cell therapy to halt and reverse disease, restore damaged organs, and ultimately, cure many life-threatening conditions. Our fast-paced, growing environment provides a wealth of opportunity and global opportunities to learn from other teams, embrace lifelong learning and build capabilities. Our cell therapy facility in Rockville, Maryland is the newest addition to our global supply network of nearly 30 manufacturing and supply facilities in 16 countries. This is your chance to break new ground and leave a collective legacy as the Associate Director for Operational Excellence - Site Operational Excellence Lead. The role can be based at either the Santa Monica or Tarzana site. What you will do: Provides strategic and technical leadership, training, mentoring, people development, project support, and facilitation as required to support AZ Cell Therapy, Operational Excellence journey. Strategic Planning, development and deployment along with Change Management, Capacity Management, TPN, Enterprise and AstraZeneca initiatives. Serve as master Operational Excellence trainer, develop trainings and conduct training activities at all level and issue appropriate training completion/belt certificates. Work with the SLT and Management Team to create Operational Excellence program strategic goals, prioritize activities and in the development and execution of OE projects. Participate BPOG, related OE conferences, summits, and benchmarking; and bring back and champion the best practices at AstraZeneca. Work with business process owners to create, monitor, measure and analyze standardized processes. Play key role in the development and implementation of a formal management review of KPIs, and train and coach all functional areas on measurement principles. Act as a change agent and implement Operational Excellence mindset into operational guidelines and practices and lead ongoing expansion of the excellence culture across the organization. Development and implementation of lean journey of site. Educations and Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of 8 years or more work experience in operational excellence, training, consulting, strategy, process improvement, or business analysis required. Must have worked as a Six Sigma Black Belt for a minimum of 4 years with formal training and experience in applying Lean Sigma methods and /lean methods in DMAIC Six Sigma Black Belt level or PDCA lean projects. Minimum 2 years’ experience directly managing or leading a team. Demonstrated mentoring, coaching, and people development capabilities. Ability to work independently with minimal direction. Excellent working knowledge of the principles and philosophies of analytical problem-solving techniques, along with a demonstrated track record of achievement. Strong level of DMAIC and/or Lean tools and methodology knowledge required. Experience as an Operational Excellence trainer. Advance user of Minitab or similar, Microsoft Visio and Project. Ability to develop and lead initiatives, changes and improvements in a start up and / or large-scale operation. Solid business acumen. Strong Project Management skills. Preferred Qualifications: Minimum 2 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharma industry in a manufacturing, technical, or related role Business process design, deployment, and change management experience Experience working globally, leading virtual teams in a matrixed environment Cell Therapy Operations experience The annual base pay for this position ranges from $121,149.60 - $181,724.40. 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. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with 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. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. At AstraZeneca, we are at the forefront of innovation with constant new products and launches. Our dynamic environment encourages collaboration and problem-solving as we strive to deliver life-changing medicines. We embrace challenges in rapidly changing markets by continuously seeking better ways to deliver medicines to patients. Our team is diverse and connected globally, working together to push the boundaries of supply chain excellence. With a focus on sustainability and a commitment to doing things the right way, we offer opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment. Join us in making a difference—apply today! Date Posted 23-Jun-2026 Closing Date 23-Jul-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.