As the Head of Manufacturing Large Scale, Advanced Synthesis, you will be responsible for managing the operational activities of our manufacturing unit, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time, in-full delivery. You will lead a dedicated team of production managers, supervisors, and specialists, driving performance, cost control, and operational excellence. As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, you will oversee human resource management, resource planning, and the effective communication of production priorities. Your role will also include implementing continuous improvement initiatives, supporting the site leadership, and maintaining high standards in production management and team development.

You will ensure that all products are produced according to safety and compliance requirements, on time / in full and within the given cost objectives. You will be responsible for the Asset’s performance, development & implementation of the Asset’s strategy in alignment with the Advanced Synthesis strategy. In addition you will lead a cross functional team consisting  of the department heads for Manufacturing, HR, Logistics & Infrastructure, Engineering and Maintenance, MSAT, Safety and Operational Excellence. The Heads of Quality, SC&PM are also part of the LT although not in the direct reporting lines. A key responsibility of the incumbent is driving continuous improvement and innovation in order to improve and sustain the asset’s long-term profitability.

Job Description

• Managing the Large Scale production unit and giving leadership to multi-disciplinary teams of senior production leaders, managers, supervisors and operators. Full responsibility for all aspects of people management such as qualification, development, coaching, hiring, pay decisions and discipline issues.
• Build up and sustain a successful, high performing team. Maintain a culture of empowerment and innovation, trust, high performance and change readiness.
• Working as operations lead in capital investment projects
• As end user main driver for the operational set-up and other factors influencing the manufacturing costs.
• Planning & supervision of production activities to ensure products are manufactured and delivered safely, timely, cost effective with the required quality
• Responsible for developing continuous improvement programs to reduce cost and increase productivity through Operational Excellence and innovation initiatives.
• Developing department goals and strategy and prioritizing with respect to overall goals, vision and mission of Lonza.
• Responsible for preparing the budget of the unit and ensuring their execution according to plan.
• Representing the facility during regulatory inspections and customer audits as manufacturing head.

Key requirements:

• Bachelor or Master degree (preferred) in a Science / Engineering related field such as Pharmaceutical Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or equivalent
• In depth knowledge of Drug Substances manufacturing, GMP and  safe work environment leadership, delivery of RFT, and leadership and development of leadership teams delivering to targets in a multi-layered organization.
• Lean practitioner and Green/Black Belt Certification will be an advantage
• 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. Strong business understanding.
• Strong Leadership and Stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication skills and interaction with all kinds of internal and external interfaces
• Fluency in English, German will be an advantage