Associate Director Global Material Certification (Guadalajara)

Associate Director, Global Material Certification

Lead the Global Certification Group to ensure that material certification meets the highest quality standards while meeting agreed customer service lead‑times. Provide leadership and subject‑matter expertise in quality control, lean methodology, and regulatory compliance to support efficient delivery of safe and effective medicines.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development
  • Lead and nurture a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Provide training and coaching to enhance technical capabilities and manage team performance.
• Process Standardization and Improvement
  • Enhance productivity and process effectiveness through lean methodologies.
  • Standardize certification processes to ensure consistency and compliance across operations.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Build and influence a network of contacts within and outside AstraZeneca.
  • Collaborate with IT and QC Network to deliver integrated systems and support a paperless lab environment.
• Project and Change Management
  • Lead or contribute to local, cross‑functional, or general initiatives.
  • Influence decision‑making, identify opportunities for change, and drive efficiency savings.
• Regulatory and Compliance Support
  • Support regulatory inspections and ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Maintain expert knowledge of analytical processes and quality systems.
• Risk and Performance Management
  • Establish metrics to track certification process efficiency.
  • Manage risks using evaluative judgment in complex situations.

Qualifications and Skills

• Essential Skills/Experience
  • In‑depth knowledge of compliance management, GMP/GLP principles, and cGMPs.
  • Familiarity with Quality Systems (including EQV, Change Controls) and pharmaceutical supply chain standards such as Pharmacopeia.
  • Exceptional oral and written communication abilities.
  • Understanding of Lean processes and demonstrated experience in leading cross‑functional improvement initiatives.
  • Thorough understanding of the quality function and its integration with other business functions to achieve organizational objectives.
  • Strong problem‑solving, negotiating, and influencing skills with the ability to work independently and take the initiative.
  • Proven project management experience, managing global projects and initiatives.
  • Willingness to travel nationally and internationally up to 10% of the time.
• Desirable Skills/Experience
  • Experience working in a PCO/PET organization or Lean/Six Sigma training.
  • Multi‑site / multi‑functional experience.
  • Proven experience in Quality assurance or a combination of Quality and Technical roles.