Associate Director, Manufacturing

The actual location of this job is in Visp, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

As the global manufacturing partner for many different customers, we are increasing manufacturing capacity. In order to support our continued growth, Lonza is seeking an Associate Director of Manufacturing for an early-stage growth project in Visp. In this role, you will support the growth of Bioconjugates by setting up and managing a new production facility. You will have overall responsibility for manufacturing results in terms of quality, quantity, safety and be a member of the Bioconjugates Manufacturing Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities:

Building and leading a team of Bioprocess Engineers (Chemists, Biologists), Manufacturing Team Leads and Manufacturing Specialists

Major contributor to the delivery of the assigned CAPEX project, according to uncompromising safety, quality and environmental guidelines

Successfully ensuring the timely and cost-efficient operational readiness of the facility, in strict adherence to relevant laws and regulations, by proactively addressing technical challenges

Ensuring the timely, high-quality, and cost-optimal production of assigned products within the new facility

Delivering outstanding personnel management, ensuring effective coaching and development of employees in line with the Lonza Vision, culture, and competencies. This includes resource planning (deploying the corresponding project team by assessing project requirements and aligning team members' skills and availability); overseeing qualification processes; providing incentives and managing salaries; arranging training opportunities; fostering professional development, and facilitating career progression.

Ensuring and further developing operational excellence initiatives through regular performance and result checks, such as weekly reports, dashboard, hoshin board and other reports

Supporting the continuous optimization of assigned projects to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness

Key Requirements:

Master's degree or equivalent experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a relevant scientific field

Over 10 years of professional experience in downstream processing (DSP) within biotechnology production, ideally in leadership roles within a CDMO environment.

Proven experience handling CAPEX project

Highly organized person with project ownership who can keep track of timelines, deadlines, resources, and budgets to ensure the project stays on track

Excellent communication skills in English to convey project goals, expectations, and updates to stakeholders and clients at all levels. Proficient German and additional language skills are advantageous

Strong knowledge of Bioconjugates is a big asset

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law