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Director Process Optimization Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Leidos

Director, Compensation

Reston, VA · On-site

$130K - $177K/yr

The Director, Compensation serves as a strategic advisor to HR and business leadership, ensuring ... Lead system configuration, process optimization, testing, reporting, and enhancements related to ...

Leidos

Director, Compensation

Reston, VA

$130K - $177K/yr

The Director, Compensation serves as a strategic advisor to HR and business leadership, ensuring ... Lead system configuration, process optimization, testing, reporting, and enhancements related to ...

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Director Process Optimization information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$50.6K

$116.1K

How much do director process optimization jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director process optimization in Ashburn, VA is $111,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,600.00 and $115,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of process optimization do?

A Director of Process Optimization is responsible for analyzing and improving business processes within an organization to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance. They lead teams in identifying bottlenecks, implementing best practices, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. This leadership role often involves cross-departmental collaboration, change management, and strategic planning to ensure that improvements align with business goals. The Director also measures the impact of process changes and continuously seeks opportunities for further optimization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of process optimization?

To excel as a Director of Process Optimization, you need expertise in process improvement methodologies (such as Lean or Six Sigma), strong analytical skills, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with process mapping tools, data analytics platforms, and certifications like Six Sigma Black Belt are typically required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help drive cross-functional initiatives and foster stakeholder buy-in. These abilities are vital for successfully identifying inefficiencies, implementing sustainable changes, and achieving organizational efficiency goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of process optimization, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Process Optimization often encounters challenges such as resistance to change from staff, aligning process improvements with business objectives, and managing cross-functional collaboration. Addressing these challenges typically involves clear communication of the benefits of process changes, securing executive buy-in, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, leveraging data-driven insights and establishing strong relationships across departments can help ensure smoother implementation and sustained success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Optimization jobs in Ashburn, VA?

The most popular types of Process Optimization jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Process Optimization jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Director Process Optimization jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Process Optimization jobs in Ashburn, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Process Optimization jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

Director Process Optimization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Process Optimization job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,308 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Executive Director, Process Engineering

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

AstraZeneca
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about AstraZenecaexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

If you have the passion and the drive to accelerate growth and make people's lives better - then AstraZeneca is the place for you. In Operations we have a big ambition - to deliver more medicines to patients, quicker and more affordably. Backed by the investment, leadership and a clear plan to get there, we bring personal dedication and out of the box thinking.
AstraZeneca turns molecules to medicines, bringing our Research & Development pipeline to life through a rigorous process of development, manufacturing, testing and delivery. Operations is accelerating, fast. We are on track for Our Bold Ambition 2030, delivering 15+ new medicines driving us forward across different modalities including biologics, cell therapy, ADCs and small molecules.
Position Summary
We are looking for an experienced Executive Director of Process Engineering to lead our cell therapy process engineering team. The Executive Director will oversee the design, scale-up, and optimization of cell therapy manufacturing processes. This is a new leadership position responsible for building out a team. You will help ensure that our cell therapy products are manufactured, cost-effectively, from early development through commercialization.
The Executive Director will collaborate with teams, including R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs, to the successful development of process engineering solutions. We are looking for an understanding of cell therapy manufacturing, advanced process technologies, and regulatory requirements, and experience in leadership. You will report to the Vice president of Analytical and Process Development. The position can be based in Gaithersburg, MD or Santa Monica, CA.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the Late-Stage Process Development function for Cell Therapies within the CTO, managing multiple development projects across several locations.
  • Create and deploy global technical standards for cell therapy, focusing on process validation, sterility assurance, raw materials, single-use technology, and packaging, all within established quality systems.
  • Design and oversee process validation, qualification, and monitoring strategies, implementing master validation plans for processes, equipment, and facilities in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts.
  • Build and manage a multi-site organization that supports the product portfolio, ensuring efficient processes, knowledge exchange, and integration of lessons learned.
  • Oversee resource allocation and make strategic "make vs. buy" decisions based on project priorities and technology strategies, adhering to CTO CGT governance processes.
  • Drive innovation by integrating internal and external expertise, incorporating the latest technologies, and leading digital programs aligned with CTO CGT strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (e.g., ISEC, GMP, HSE), and manage regulatory submissions, including the creation of source documents and dossier modules.
  • Provide technical leadership for developing new and improved processes for high-quality cell therapy production.
  • Author and review regulatory CMC packages for IND filings and approval applications (BLA/MAA/NDA).
  • Address process development inquiries from health authorities during global product filings and approvals.
  • Oversee and ensure the delivery of process development, qualification, and transfer from Process Development to Operations for GMP manufacturing of clinical and commercial cell therapy products.
  • Fulfil all post-approval commitments for commercial products to health authorities.

Preferred Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related field, or a Master's degree with relevant industry experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in process engineering preferred, with at least 10 years in a leadership role within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry with a focus on cell therapy or biologics.
  • Experience in cell therapy or biologics manufacturing, including process design, scale-up, and optimization.

Skills and Competencies
  • Knowledge in GxP compliance and data integrity.
  • Proven track record in managing and leading a large, high-performing team (30+ members) with preferred expertise in CAR-T and human stem cell therapies, biologics, process development, transfer, validation, and automation.
  • Demonstrated ability in developing value-added manufacturing processes from scratch.
  • Diversified experience in a wide spectrum of CMC development suitable for adequately producing cell therapeutics.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel 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 Gaithersburg, MD or Santa Monica, CA office. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $269,000 to $328,900. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related experience. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and we reserve the right to modify base salary (and any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Date Posted
05-Sep-2024
Closing Date
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.
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About AstraZeneca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization 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. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB

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