Business Process Excellence Director - Transport and Warehousing

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to lead the charge in redefining transport and warehousing operations? As the Business Process Excellence Director, you'll be at the forefront of driving operational excellence and optimizing processes within our global logistics network. Your mission? To enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement across our transport and warehousing functions.

Accountabilities:

Operational Excellence in Transport and Warehousing:

• Lead initiatives to streamline transport and warehousing operations, ensuring processes are lean, efficient, and fit-for-purpose.

• Implement and maintain a culture of 100% Right First Time and On-Time delivery within transport and warehousing.

• Develop and execute strategies to achieve operational excellence, focusing on safety, quality, and delivery.

• Conduct regular operational audits to identify gaps and drive corrective actions.

• Benchmark best practices from internal and external sources to drive continuous improvement.

• Promote a strong health and safety culture in all transport and warehousing environments.

• Embed root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for operational incidents.

Business Process Management:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and optimization of business processes within the transport and warehousing functions.

• Ensure that all processes are documented, standardized, and aligned with the overall business strategy.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and eliminate process inefficiencies.

• Develop and maintain process maps, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and training materials.

• Establish governance around process changes to ensure controlled implementation.

• Facilitate workshops to gain stakeholder input and alignment on process improvements.

• Monitor compliance with established processes and identify training needs.

Digitalization and Automation:

• Drive the adoption of digital tools and automation to enhance visibility and decision-making within transport and warehousing.

• Ensure data integrity and integration across insourced and outsourced networks.

• Evaluate new technologies and platforms that can improve operational performance and scalability.

• Lead cross-functional teams to implement transport management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS).

• Foster a data-driven culture by enabling real-time reporting and analytics.

• Ensure cybersecurity and data protection standards are upheld across all digital initiatives.

• Provide training and support to colleagues on digital tools and best practices.

Network Integration and Sustainability:

• Drive the adoption of an integrated and sustainable transport and warehousing network that adapts to changing business needs.

• Focus on reducing carbon emissions and waste disposal through green logistics initiatives.

• Collaborate with procurement and external partners to implement sustainable packaging and transportation solutions.

• Establish goals for carbon footprint reduction and track progress against sustainability KPIs.

• Evaluate supplier and partner performance against sustainability criteria.

• Support the design and implementation of circular logistics practices.

• Develop contingency plans for network disruptions (e.g., natural disasters, geopolitical events).

Stakeholder Management:

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for transport and warehousing initiatives.

• Provide leadership and accountability for the performance of regional transport hubs and strategic global freight forwarders.

• Facilitate regular review meetings with key stakeholders to communicate progress and resolve issues.

• Manage relationships with third-party logistics providers to ensure service levels and contract compliance.

• Advocate for the function’s needs within wider organizational forums and initiatives.

• Represent the company at industry events and conferences related to transport and warehousing.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

• Prepare and present regular performance reports to senior management.

• Develop dashboards to provide real-time visibility of operational metrics.

• Analyze trends and root causes for performance deviations, and lead corrective actions.

• Support budget planning by providing accurate data on transport and warehousing costs and efficiencies.

• Coordinate quarterly and annual performance reviews with relevant business units.

• Ensure timely escalation and resolution of critical performance issues.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in a similar role

• Proven experience in transport, warehousing, logistics, or a similar role.

• Strong understanding of lean principles and operational excellence methodologies.

• Experience with digital tools and automation in transport and warehousing.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Master's degree in a related field.

• Certification in Lean Six Sigma or similar operational excellence frameworks.

• Experience in a global logistics environment.

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.

At AstraZeneca, your work will have a meaningful impact on patients' lives. We're a global team committed to excellence, innovation, and taking intelligent risks. Here, you can apply your skills to drive change, challenge norms, take ownership, make quick decisions, all while being part of a collaborative community. With opportunities for growth through innovation, you'll be empowered to make a difference every day.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join us on this exciting journey!