Lean Digital Coach

Introduction to role

As part of our commitment to Lean & Business Process Management, we are excited to offer a new opportunity within AstraZeneca as a Lean-Digital Coach in Clinical Manufacturing & Supply. Here we play a vital role in supporting the clinical trials that help bring our innovative new medicines to patients. In this position, you will use your knowledge of Lean, BPM and digital solutions to support, coach, and influence our teams, driving continuous improvement and business performance.

Our future challenge is to sustain and advance our Lean and BPM behaviours, complemented by suitable digital technology, to meet our ambitious 100/50/50/20/0 vision for the clinical supply chain. This vision aims to deliver study medicines 100% on time and in full, reduce waste and lead time by 50%, improve productivity by 20%, and achieve zero quality issues.

Accountabilities

The CM&S Lean-Digital Coach will collaborate with the Principal Lean Coach to develop and implement an annual Lean & BPM plan aligned with the organization’s strategic direction.

You will help maintain Lean capability in CM&S, ensuring its application by individuals delivers business value.

Provide hands-on support where needed, such as assisting teams with critical Level 0 and PPS activities to develop their problem-solving capabilities.

Support Kaizen activities to deliver process improvements in line with our 100/50/50/20/0 vision, achieving outcomes and transferring capability to the organization.

Spend time in the workplace with leaders and Business Process Owners to ensure effective use of the lean leadership habits in supporting teams.

Spot opportunities to use digital tools to eliminate waste activities, support the implementation of appropriate solutions, and manage systems where applicable.

Support larger and more complex strategic projects within the department, many of which will have a significant digital element.

Coach and support the CM&S Business Process Owner community on Business Process Management approaches, ensuring adherence to Standard Ways of Working and continuous improvement processes.

Collaborate with clinical study management staff, team leaders, and department leadership teams, seeking input and valuing diverse perspectives to deliver business value.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelors in Scientific/Engineering Subject area or equivalent experience

• Experience of applying Lean & BPM approaches (functional experience beneficial)

• Demonstrated capability to lead process improvement efforts

• Working knowledge of Business Process Management

• Working knowledge of Lean Tools such as VSM, Kaizen, etc.

• Demonstrated coaching skills

• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects/activities

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills

• Effective internal consulting skills with all levels of management

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification from an American Society of Quality (ASQ) recognised program (or equivalent)

• Experience working in a supply chain environment or NPI project management

• Proven ability to improve pharmaceutical processes through the application of a variety of continuous improvement approaches

• Demonstrated experience in facilitating teams and groups in lean, six sigma and process improvements

• Demonstrated experience in leading or facilitating change initiatives

• Expertise in the application of analytical problem-solving methodology

• Demonstrated proficiency in Mini-Tab, SPC-XL or other statistical analysis software, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel, Visio, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word

• Flexible to travel to different locations within a geographic region

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can make a positive impact. In Operations, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth for AstraZeneca and improve people's lives. We thrive on challenges and seek out new solutions through Lean practices, cutting-edge science, digitalisation, and sustainable methods. Our inclusive community supports each other on our journeys, providing opportunities for global careers and personal growth.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of our journey towards operational excellence!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.