Director Manufacturing Lead

Lead a team of production managers (chemists/biologists), supervisors, and specialists, with full responsibility for all aspects of people management, including qualification, development, coaching, hiring, compensation decisions, and performance or conduct issues. Accountable for executing all production campaigns in the manufacturing unit, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and environmental requirements. Maintain oversight of production costs and provide POV forecasts for all campaigns within the area of responsibility. Contribute to budgeting and the preparation of product cost calculations for standard pricing. As a member of the Functional Leadership Team, support overall production management, including housekeeping, team conduct, training activities, and general operational controls. Serve as an operational specialist and regular point of contact for BU team members on production planning (S&OP;), technical assessments, and feasibility requests. Responsible for routine performance monitoring, including weekly reports, dashboards, Hoshin boards, and other reporting tools. Proactively support the successful handover of investment projects to the manufacturing team, ensuring appropriate training and accurate documentation.

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.

• Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated leadership skills with strong self-motivation, integrity, perseverance, and results orientation.

• Extensive experience in chemical manufacturing, ideally in leadership roles.

• Broad expertise in chemistry and chemical engineering.

• Strong knowledge of GMP and EHS requirements.

• Fluency in English and German.

• Experience with Operational Excellence / LEAN principles is an advantage.