Associate Director Lean – Secondment

Associate Director Lean – 12 Month Secondment / Fixed Term Contract

Macclesfield

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth and to make people's lives better. We thrive in our often intense and ambiguous environment, seeking out new challenges and working towards new solutions. We are part of an inclusive and giving community, supporting each other on our journeys. We are leading the way in delivering Lean processes that drive greater efficiency and speed.

Sustainable practices are at the heart of what we do, ensuring we manage our environmental impact across all our activities and products.

We are now looking for an Associate Director Lean to join our team on a 12 month secondment / Fixed Term Contract!

Introduction to the role

The Associate Director, Lean is a key member of the Lean Team, partnering with one or more Process Execution Teams (PETs) to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement. The role provides process, operational and project leadership, management and expertise to embed a culture of Lean through the adoption of the AstraZeneca Supply System (AZSS), establish effective Lean standard practices, and strengthen Lean capability across PET leadership teams and members.

By coaching, facilitating, teaching and leading by example, the Associate Director Lean aligns and prioritises activities that support delivery of the PET strategy and scorecard, with a strong focus on achieving tangible outcomes through direct engagement with process teams.

Accountabilities:

• Provide Lean expertise to support the development of the Macclesfield Operations Manufacturing Excellence strategy and champion assigned work streams.

• Lead the development and execution of PET Manufacturing Excellence plans, ensuring alignment with PET scorecards, business priorities, and site Lean strategies.

• Drive improvements in manufacturing performance through the effective use of Lean principles, AZSS, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Build PET capability in Manufacturing Excellence, AZSS, and manufacturing KPI management, embedding standard practices, problem-solving capability, and continuous improvement behaviours.

• Influence and improve ways of working by implementing standardised processes in partnership with Process Teams and Leadership Teams.

• Lead PET and site improvement portfolios, delivering agreed business outcomes and sustainable benefits.

• Provide subject matter expertise in Manufacturing Excellence, maintaining awareness of emerging technologies (digital) and industry best practices, and assessing their application within the business.

• Manage PET Lean Maturity Reviews (AZSSMR) and delivery of improvement actions, ensuring alignment with PET and site strategic objectives.

• Represent PETs within BPM governance, supporting BPOs and EPOs in the development and maturity of business processes.

• Provide governance and leadership to PET Improvement Councils.

• Lead local Manufacturing Excellence and Six Sigma networks, ensuring alignment with site priorities and the sharing of best practices across PETs.

• Coach, mentor, and develop Lean Facilitators, ensuring delivery of activities aligned to PET and site Manufacturing Excellence objectives.

• Identify, scope, and lead cross-functional improvement initiatives that enhance plant utilisation, improve operational performance, and minimise supply chain impacts.

• Analyse and drive improvement of key manufacturing KPIs, performance losses, reliability, and productivity measures, to support achievement of operational targets.

• Present recommendations, insights, and improvement opportunities to senior leaders, influencing decision-making and strategic direction.

• Lead the deployment of PET continuous improvement strategies, annual target…