Lean Partner

Location: Gaithersburg preferred - OR Tarzana
MAX BR: CA $105.57 // MD $89.74
Duration: 6 months - potential for conversion

INTAKE CALL NOTES:
Candidate needs to be advanced an expert/SME (subject matter expert)
Role is called lean transformation lead (also known as Operational Excellence OE in AZ or PPI in Thermo Fisher)
Candidate should have special training such as Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
Needs experience driving lean initiatives focusing on process improvements and cost reduction
Must have knowledge of supply chain and logistics especially within a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environment (preferably pharma)
Candidate should be digital savvy and comfortable with process/value stream mapping and SOP writing
Preferred location is Gaithersburg but open to Tarzana depending on candidates; needs to be close to an AZ site for contract-to-hire
Preference for someone on-site (especially if converting to permanent) though hybrid may be considered initially
Looking for associate director level
Candidate should have experience with operational excellence lean transformation logistics and supply chain in the pharmaceutical industry
Familiarity with digital tools and continuous improvement is preferred though Susan is not specific about exact technologies
There will be two rounds of interviews both virtual on teams or if they are local to gburg going onsite


In AstraZeneca s Cell Therapy division we apply science technology and operational rigor to deliver life-changing therapies to patients. This role sits within the Cell Therapy Supply Chain organization and serves as the operational excellence lead for logistics operations focused on improving execution increasing visibility and building scalable processes that support future growth.
Summary
The Senior Lean Transformation Lead is responsible for leading lean transformation and operational excellence initiatives across cell therapy logistics operations. The role partners with logistics supply chain and cross-functional stakeholders to improve process efficiency strengthen operational control support digital enablement and build scalable ways of working across the network.
This position is suited for a professional with formal operational excellence training strong knowledge of logistics and supply chain operations and experience delivering measurable improvement in a pharma or other regulated environment. The role also includes people leadership for improvement workstreams and close partnership with logistics teams to embed sustainable change.
Key Responsibilities
Lean transformation: Lead the continuous improvement agenda for cell therapy logistics operations with focus on process simplification waste reduction service improvement and scalable execution.
Logistics process improvement: Assess current-state logistics workflows identify inefficiencies and control gaps and implement improvements that increase reliability throughput and operational discipline.
Digital enablement: Partner with business and digital teams to improve workflow automation data visibility dashboarding and reporting. Support digital solutions that reduce manual effort and improve decision-making.
Scalable operating model design: Build standardized repeatable and scalable processes to support network growth increasing shipment complexity and future operational expansion.
Supply chain analysis: Use logistics and supply chain data to identify trends quantify issues prioritize opportunities and track impact of improvement initiatives.
Performance management: Define and monitor KPIs for logistics execution process performance and improvement outcomes. Establish management routines that support accountability and continuous improvement.
Cross-functional delivery: Work closely with Logistics Supply Chain Manufacturing Quality Planning and Digital teams to implement practical improvements aligned with business and patient needs.
People leadership: Provide leadership coaching and direction across improvement activities and operational workstreams. Support capability building within the logistics team and help embed lean ways of working.
Change management: Drive adoption of new processes tools and standards through stakeholder engagement training support and clear communication.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor s degree in Supply Chain Logistics Engineering Operations Life Sciences Business or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
Experience:
7 years in operational excellence lean transformation logistics supply chain or process improvement
Strong experience improving logistics operations in a complex business environment
Experience in pharma biotech cell therapy or another regulated industry preferred
Demonstrated experience with digital process improvement reporting and scalable operating model development
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders at an Associate Director-equivalent level
People leadership or team leadership experience preferred
Skills
Strong knowledge of lean methodologies process mapping continuous improvement and performance management. Familiarity with logistics operations supply chain processes and regulated environments is required. Strong analytical skills including KPI development and supply chain analysis are essential. Ability to translate operational problems into structured improvement plans and sustainable solutions. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills required.
Preferred Certifications
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred
Additional training in operational excellence continuous improvement or project management preferred
Core Competencies
Patient focus: Keeps patient and product needs central when improving logistics processes.
Deliver results: Converts improvement opportunities into measurable and sustainable operational gains.
Problem solving and judgment: Applies structured analysis and sound judgment to improve performance in complex environments.
Collaborate and influence: Works effectively across logistics supply chain and cross-functional teams to drive change.
Data and digital: Uses data and digital tools to improve visibility control and decision-making.
Operational leadership: Provides direction coaching and leadership to help teams adopt lean and scalable ways of working.