Process optimization analyst

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express varied perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energised and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

In Global Business Services (GBS) we dare to change the way we work - we are brave, resilient and take smart risks with a focus on simplifying the way we work. Through our global scale and diverse services, we look to drive value through our innovation and expertise. This requires a team who see no boundaries, can collaborate and challenge the norm and feel empowered, motivated and engaged.

Our GBS Process Solutions service operates across all areas of the enterprise to identify areas of process inefficiency and ineffectiveness and provide an end-to-end service from identification to solution delivery. We offer an exciting and evolving range of capabilities to unlock value; including Process Re-engineering, Process Mining, and under a team called the Robotic & Cognitive Centre (RCC), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), custom built apps & workflow using the Microsoft Power Platform, Python scripting and other emerging technology solutions as the team seeks to add further capabilities in the future.

Reporting to the Process Optimisation Manager, the Process Optimisation (Senior) Analyst leads/supports the end to end delivery of an innovative pipeline of complex process re-engineering project opportunities to solve inefficiencies, remove waste and potentially unlock additional value for the Automation 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.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Managing the relationships with key business stakeholders at all levels to support identification and delivery of new process re-engineering opportunities
• Assist with the generation & prioritisation of opportunities across a range of Process Solutions customer groups, driving optimisation of processes through the creation of measurable roadmaps focused on quick wins and short/mid-term implementations
• 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
• Lead projects independently, and / or in collaboration with other GBS Process Solutions team members, working closely with business SMEs & technical specialists to coordinate the delivery of process re-engineering and automations
• Assessment of automation scope, business value/cost and accompanying business case
• Due diligence across risk factors (complexity, business criticality, compliance and regulation)
• Change management activities to guide/support business readiness for transition to go-live
• Support adoption and sustainment through embedded change management and user experience
• Close collaboration with other capability teams within GBS Process Solutions to help define and embed standardised approach for lean mindset/process optimisation - including standards, methodologies, tools and best practices

Essential requirements

• Six Sigma or Lean Management Green 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 Medium 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
• Strong time management skills with ability to work at pace, handling multiple tasks & projects at one time
• Thrives in a fast paced and evolving environment and is willing to adapt responsibilities to meet organisational strategic priorities
• Comfortable with working virtually in a global environment
• Willingness to undertake some domestic / international travel (as required)
• Fluency in English

• Significant experience of RPA, Microsoft Power Platform or other automation implementation projects (i.e. 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

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.