Director, Operational Excellence- Cell Therapy Manufacturing

About the role, the Director, Operational Excellence (OE) leads the network-wide OE agenda for AstraZeneca's autologous Cell Therapy. You will establish basic conditions and eliminate waste across the vein-to-vein value stream. You will operate in a matrix with site-based OE Leads. It sets strategy, governs the improvement portfolio, and delivers measurable outcomes in cost, productivity, service, quality, safety, and compliance. Additionally, it builds sustainable capabilities for scale.

This role offers flexibility to be based in Rockville, MD or Tarzana, CA.
You Will:

• Lead end-to-end value stream mapping. Deploy Hoshin/strategy deployment to translate targets, such as COGM, capacity, and service, into a governed portfolio. This portfolio have clear owners, milestones, risks, and benefits. Additionally, create standardized COGM/productivity dashboards and benefit tracking with Finance.

• Lead programs (cycle time, labor models, MES/EBR enablement, yield, changeovers/scheduling, deviation reduction, automation/technology insertion). Apply the AZ Lean Model (A3, VSM, standard work, daily/tier management, leader standard work, adapted SMED).

• Facilitate development of business processes for training, batch execution, deviations, and patient/lot scheduling and logistics.

• Lead Kaizen events; scale best practices across the Cell Therapy Development and Operations.

• Define basic conditions for Cell Therapy Manufacturing Sites and build capability at all levels; coach leaders and value stream owners

• Partner with Supply Chain to vein-to-vein flow, slotting, and cold-chain logistics, safeguarding Chain of Identity/Chain of Custody.

• Ensure improvements uphold safety, patient focus, and cGMP for ATMPs (including GAMP and data integrity). Partner with Quality to reduce human error and increase First Pass Success and right-first-time performance.

• Align senior leaders on priorities and resources; communicate impact through governance forums.

You Have :

• Bachelor's in engineering/Life Sciences or related; advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years in GMP manufacturing; 5+ years leading programs.

• Recognized Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent depth of OE expertise.

• COGM/productivity improvements using lean, digital, and analytics.

• Expertise in value stream management and lean (Hoshin, A3, VSM, standard work, tier/visual management, leader standard work); Genba execution.

• Command of cGMP, data integrity, and GAMP; experience with MES/EBR/LIMS and other digital systems

• Track record in cross-site program leadership, portfolio governance, and benefits realization with Finance.

• Demonstrated experience in Influence without authority, change leadership, and process/project/risk/Analytical skills.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $148 to $222K. Our positions offer eligibility for multiple incentives an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted
12-Jun-2026

Closing Date
09-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.