GBS Director, Process Excellence

GBS Director, Process Excellence
Lisboa
Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

Job Title: GBS Director, Process Excellence

Employer: Astra
Zeneca

Introduction

The GBS Director, Process Excellence reports to the Senior Director, GBS Performance. The role is accountable for managing, controlling and reporting on Process Excellence across our global operations, ensuring we deliver exceptional services to Astra
Zeneca. It requires an individual who understands GBS excellence and has a proven track record of on‑the‑ground delivery across a wide range of services, from transactional to consulting.

Process Excellence in Astra
Zeneca GBS Includes

• Process Optimisation: eliminating process waste through lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Technology Integration: utilising digital tools such as platform tools, RPA, process mining and AI.
• Cost Efficiency: identifying cost‑reduction opportunities without compromising delivery, including economies of scale and strategic vendor management.
• Culture of Continuous Improvement: fostering an environment where employees are empowered to innovate.
• Talent and Development: training and upskilling employees.

What You Will Do

Shape the Process Excellence Strategy

• Using the GBS Process Excellence framework, develop and implement the strategic plan with GBS leadership teams, aligned to Astra
  Zeneca’s strategy.
• Understand different service types, customers, and GBS demands to inform strategy.

Deliver Process Excellence

• Leadership
  • Build and support service‑line level improvement plans to achieve 9% productivity growth.
  • Be the visible leader of Process Excellence across GBS, sharing best practices and AI insights.
  • Influence initiatives that empower employees and build a culture of performance excellence.
• Delivery
  • Identify, lead, and manage initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.
  • Own the work‑plan to deliver yearly productivity targets in collaboration with service‑line leads.
• Setting the Standards
  • Develop and implement clear policies, frameworks and guidelines.
  • Monitor performance and share best practices.
• Visible Performance Management
  • Deliver clear, regular performance management of process excellence.
• Training and Coaching
  • Own and improve training programmes across the organisation.
• People Leadership
  • Build a network of continuous improvement experts through dotted‑line reporting for strong alignment and delivery.

Essentials

You have a background in GBS process excellence and are passionate about leading and creating an environment of excellence. You are results‑oriented, experienced in matrix organisations, and influence across broad stakeholder groups.

• 10+ years in Global Business Services operations, leading process excellence and change initiatives.
• Highly developed organisational, planning, and communication skills.
• Experience leading global process improvement programmes with lean/Six Sigma, delivered on time and within budget.
• Track record of implementing AI tools for productivity and efficiency.
• Strong leadership and team‑management skills with clear communication and influence.
• Excellent presentation and influencing skills for senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills using data‑backed insights.
• Experience in organisational change and fostering continuous improvement culture.
• Process Excellence qualifications such as Six Sigma, Lean.
• Experience with Process Mining tools (e. g. , Celonis) to drive optimisation.

Preferred

• Significant global experience and perspective in the pharmaceutical sector.
• Experience with Service
  Now performance management.
• Experience delivering reporting solutions.
• Financial acumen in budget setting and cost management.
• Experience with Process Document applications such as BIC.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Astra
Zeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws on non‑discrimination and employment eligibility verification.

Application Details

Date Posted: 05‑Nov‑2025

Closing Date: 13‑Nov‑2025