Head of Operations Mammalian Large Scale (f/m/d)
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.
The Head of Operations Mammalian Large Scale joins the Mammalian Operations Leadership Team, Visp, Switzerland | Lonza, with the mandate to manage operations of a new large-scale mammalian facility (first step: manufacturing start-up of 6x20k bioreactors and purification train by mid 2024), with growing and overseeing the operations team to approximately 350 employees by 2026. The incumbent will also be in charge of a potential further capacity expansion of this facility. A strong past experience in setting up and/or managing such large-scale facilities is a must.
This is a newly created position that will ultimately ensure that Lonza products and/or services are executed safely within the expected quality and compliance (cGMP).
Key responsibilities:
Define & set up the operations organization and respective headcount ramp-up plans for the facilities
As Operations lead you will be responsible for construction and commissioning of Ibex™ biopharma facilities and support feasibility studies, conceptual and basic design phases as future user of those facilities
Drives the operational set-up and incorporating innovation, operational improvements and other aspects influencing the manufacturing costs in the design of the facilities
Manage a specific production unit during the subsequent phases of C&Q, PQ, PPQ and commercial operations, and give leadership to multi-disciplinary teams (Manufacturing, MSAT) of senior production leaders, managers or supervisors
Build and develop a successful, high performing team.
Accountable for preparation of risk analysis and all relevant procedures and ensuring training of staff
Represent the specific facility during all phases for customer visits and audits as Operations Head
Responsible for control of own cost center with a focus on identification and implementation of cost reduction measures
Key requirements:
Master / Diploma / Engineering degree in Science, Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering
10+ years in Manufacturing of biologics in a large-scale facility in leadership position such as head of manufacturing, ideally completed by experience in other functions (Engineering, Quality, MSAT)
Experience in managing a major Capex project in (bio)pharma manufacturing or starting up a (bio)pharma manufacturing facility is a strong plus
In depth knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, safe work environment leadership, delivery of RFT, and leadership and development of leadership teams delivering progressive continuous improvement in a multi-layered organization.
Ability to inspire a large organization by articulating a vision in an exciting manner, develop leaders, and translate strategies developed in to executable and actionable plans.
This senior level role requires the successful incumbent to lead the organization through leaders who are direct reports. This role is required to inspire and compel excellence in performance from the leadership team, and the Mammalian Ibex large scale Operations organization through conspicuous and infectious energy and enthusiasm.
The Mammalian Ibex large scale Operations Head will be the ultimate face of Lonza to Ibex large scale customers. The ability to positively connect and build trustful relationships in a manner that these external individuals are excited and inspired.
Fluency in English and German
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.