Process Optimisation Manager

We are a diverse, inclusive and innovative group who identifies, builds and delivers excellent shared services (which everyone can leverage) to enable AstraZeneca to grow and change at speed. We are passionate about simple processes – making it easier to get vital, repeatable services done for our patients, for our customers, for our teams.   

We focus on providing exceptional value that contributes to our company’s success and future by freeing up the business (our customers’) time to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines for patients.  With the accomplishments, commitment and passion that you might bring, we are excited about what we can achieve together towards realizing AstraZeneca’s bold ambition. 

Are you ready to take the lead in delivering an innovative pipeline of complex process re-engineering project opportunities? When it comes to be a Process Optimisation Manager, this role is perfect for those with a strong desire to gain exposure to leading edge automation techniques, experience of project team management, and lead end-to-end process analysis & simplification. 

When we put diverse 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. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. 

Accountabilities: 

Reporting to the Process Optimisation Director, the Process Optimisation Manager leads/supports the end-to-end delivery of an innovative pipeline of complex process re-engineering project opportunities to solve process inefficiencies, remove waste and potentially unlock additional value for the Automation & Process Mining expertise within the team. 

The role holder should have a strong desire to gain exposure to leading edge automation techniques, experience of team management / influencing skills, lean end-to-end process analysis & simplification, combined with core skills in stakeholder & change management.  This experience will be combined with a strong analytical mindset and an ability to communicate simply, with precision and impact across our stakeholders. 

Essential Skills/ Experience: 

• Managing the relationships with key business stakeholders at all levels to support identification and delivery of process simplification and new automation/process mining opportunities 

• Work with the Process Optimization Director to scale this capability with a future aspiration to become an independent service line within GBS Process and Analytics Services by 2025 

• Lead on the generation & prioritisation of re-engineering opportunities across a range of customer groups, driving optimisation of processes through the creation of measurable roadmaps focused on quick wins and short/mid-term implementations 

• Lead on and / or provide input to process analyst resource across the GBS Process and Analytics Services team, working closely with business SMEs & technical specialists to coordinate the delivery of process re-engineering and automations 

• Process Diagnostics & Current State Assessments – through stakeholder interviews, improvement workshops, current state process mapping; and the identification of key gaps, improvement areas, and prioritization of recommendations 

• Assessment of automation/process mining scope, business value/cost and accompanying business case 

• Due diligence across risk factors (complexity, business criticality, compliance, and regulation)  

• Change management activities alongside the technical automation, and business readiness for transition to go-live  

• Support adoption and sustainment through embedded change management and user experience 

• Close collaboration with other services towers within GBS Process and Analytics Services to team to help define and embed standardised approach for lean mindset/process optimisation – including standards, methodologies, tools and best practices  

Essential requirements: 

• Proven experience of leading a high performing delivery teams globally  

• Six Sigma or Lean Management Black Belt certified alongside proven experience in the analysis & re-design of complex, multi-function business processes, leveraging recognised business process re-engineering techniques, e.g. Lean six sigma, Kaizen  

• Demonstrated experience of leading high-profile projects / change management activities 

• Strong stakeholder management, influencing & presentation/oral communication skills 

• Energetic and self-motivated 

• Strong analytical skills to be able to discover and interpret business change requirements 

• Thrives in a fast paced and evolving environment and is willing to adapt responsibilities to meet organisational strategic priorities 

• Willingness to undertake some domestic / international travel (as required) 

Desirable Skills/ Experience: 

• Significant experience of various related BPM capabilities i.e. Process/Task Mining, Robotics Process Automation, Low Code automation, BPM, workflow tools. 

• Experience and proven results of change projects within the Pharma industry 

• Experience of working in Agile methodology 

• Experience of working globally 

Why AstraZeneca? 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. 

Ready to bring out the best in yourself and others? Join our dynamic environment where we work cross-functionally to succeed together. This is a place of great passion and pride. Where we work hard to build successful, inclusive and diverse teams that collaborate across the enterprise and beyond. 

Apply now to be part of a team that is driven by curiosity and our desire for change, forever connecting and consciously collaborating. Uncover new insights, challenge convention, push the boundaries and be heard above the crowd.