At AstraZeneca we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the upmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe. As a Regional Lean-Digital Practitioner, you will play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives.

Job Description

The Regional Lean-Digital Practitioner will work with site and functional leaders across the Americas to drive lean-digital implementation at the process and systems levels through application of lean-digital principles. The incumbent will take a hands-on, value-creating approach to lean execution. He or she will demonstrate understanding of lean principles via real-life, tangible metrics improvement that corresponds with business challenges. There will be a dual focus on process and results, including deployment of site and regional strategies and execution support by way of workshop/kaizen facilitation, lean roadmap development, mentoring, coaching and training on various lean methodologies. He or she will build rapport across the organization and influence site and region executives as well as junior associates on the production lines. Expected travel will be between 35% and 50%.

Demonstrated impact will be measured by:

• Leadership: Both strategic and tactical (site & functions)
• Value: Drive tangible, bottom-line impact
• Maturity: Systems-driven improvements
• Performance: Evidenced by metric improvement over time.
• Culture: Coach, mentor and develop others in the organization to become lean leaders.
• Lean Digital: Advance Ops 2025/2030 Lean-Digital strategy

Job Responsibilities

• Influences and assists sites with preparation and development of lean-digital strategies using Hoshin Kanri, Value Stream Mapping, A3 and other relevant methodologies; support with execution of site lean-digital roadmaps.
• Apply AZ Lean Model to drive Genba-level execution and deliver value and productivity targets.
• Serve as regional expert to spearhead, support, and scale business solutions across the region.
• Delivery of regional, site and functional metrics (SQSCP) as applicable
• Engages and leads sites, regional and functional resources to define and deploy lean-digital processes and practices.
• Works with regional and functional leaders to ensure adequate capabilities within the region, sites and functions to effectively embed lean-digital as “business as usual.”
• Ensures that site, regional and functional lean implementation plans and business processes align with global strategies and adhere to expected standards of practices.
• Drives standard and consistency in lean-digital implementation across sites, leveraging and incorporating both internal and external best practices.
• Improve and uplift overall AZ ways of working by challenging processes and practices that do not add value or do not align with the region’s priorities.
• Aligns implementation of AZSS ways of working to key business needs and results.
• Represents the Lean Program as member of relevant cross-functional AZ and external Lean forums/organizations/communities of practice.
• Supports with coaching and mentoring of local site lean leads, GMs and teams.

Typical Accountabilities

• Conduct activities and interactions consistent with company values and in compliance with the Code of Conduct and supporting policies and standards relevant to your role.
• Complete all required training on the AZ Code of Conduct and supporting policies and standards on time. Report potential issues of non-compliance.
• Be an inclusive leader and support execution of region’s sustainability ambitions.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Good lean-digital acumen
• Ability to pull through value of lean-digital efforts across sites and the region.
• Ability to collaborate with all levels of the organization to help understand and overcome existing challenges.
• Ability to manage change and deliver results; hands-on execution skills.
• Effective, engaging communicator; able to connect with different levels and audiences within the organization.
• Educated to undergraduate degree level or higher in a Manufacturing, Engineering or related technical/business discipline
• Possesses 7 to 10 years plus of experience in a fast-pace, structured lean environment or possesses a good balance of experience and advanced education.
• Demonstrates significant industry related experience in fundamental lean methodologies such as Strategy Deployment (i.e. Hoshin Kanri), Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Daily Management or Tier Accountability, Leader Standard Work, SMED, TPM, etc.
• Driven, self-starter and motivated individual who works well in a team setting.
• A track record of delivering business impact and sustained change and demonstrated understanding and application of change management principles.
• Expertise in process & project management and improvement
• Expertise in the application of analytical problem-solving methodology

Desirable

• Broad understanding of supply chain processes
• Understanding of Good Automated Manufacturing Practice, current Good Manufacturing Practice and regulations as defined by local regulatory bodies
• In depth knowledge of Lean best practice from the external world and other related industries

The location for this role is open to any one of these sites: Mt. Vernon, IN; Coppell, TX; Newark, DE; or Carovanas, PR.

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law.