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.
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.
You Have :Expertise in value stream management and lean (Hoshin, A3, VSM, standard work, tier/visual management, leader standard work); Genba execution.
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
13-Aug-2026
