Associate Director, Manufacturing - BPMSS L1L2 80%-100% (m/f/d)
The actual location of this job is in Visp, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.
Join Lonza’s growing Biologics organization in Visp as an Associate Director, Manufacturing, where you will lead microbial small-scale manufacturing operations (up to 1,000L) and drive excellence in production, quality, and team performance in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
This role is primarily based on site. Working together in person supports close, real-time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards. We offer flexibility to work remotely for no more than 20% of your time. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with business needs.
What you will get:
- An agile career and a dynamic work culture
- An inclusive and ethical workplace
- Compensation programs that recognize high performance
- The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits
What you will do
- Take full end-to-end accountability for manufacturing activities, ensuring high-quality project execution, on-time batch release, and adherence to safety and compliance standards
- Lead and mentor a team of production leaders (chemists/biologists) and the Batch Review Team
- Collaborate with Technical Operations, MSAT, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance to streamline processes
- Develop and implement manufacturing strategies aligned with company goals
- Oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure production targets are met and resources are efficiently deployed
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including CAPEX projects for new technologies and equipment
- Act as a member of the leadership team and deputy to the Head of Operations Asset
What we are looking for
- Completed university degree (Master’s degree or PhD preferred) in engineering, biotechnology, or a related field
- At least 8 years of professional experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnological manufacturing, including a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role with a focus on process management or related field
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and workflows in the biopharmaceutical industry
- Proven experience in leading system implementation and optimization projects
- Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and presentation skills in both German and English, written and verbal
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams
- Familiarity with data integrity requirements and regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, EMA)
About Lonza
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.
Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.
Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.
