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Senior Manager Operational Excellence – Global Growth Projects 80-100% (m/f/d) - Job Opportunity at Lonza

Visp, Switzerland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 8, 2025
On-site
CHF 120,000 - 150,000 per year (approximately USD 130,000 - 165,000). This estimate reflects the senior management level, specialized life sciences expertise, Swiss market premiums, and Lonza's position as a leading global company. The role's strategic importance and cross-functional leadership responsibilities command premium compensation.

Benefits

Opportunity to own your career and drive meaningful impact in life sciences
Access to global cross-functional collaboration across three continents
Professional development through continuous improvement initiatives and knowledge transfer
Exposure to strategic growth projects within Advanced Synthesis network
Ethical work environment with focus on positive impact on millions of lives
International experience working with global engineering and operations teams

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic development and implementation of lean, scalable, and harmonized processes that will define the execution framework for multi-million dollar growth projects across the global Advanced Synthesis network
Challenge and optimize mission-critical operational activities including project lifecycle setup, operator involvement protocols, training frameworks, and CQV processes that directly impact project success and timeline adherence
Drive enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives by systematically integrating lessons learned and best practices into standardized processes that will be replicated across global facilities
Establish and execute comprehensive knowledge transfer programs across Advanced Synthesis sites while developing and implementing KPIs that provide real-time visibility into operational performance and project health
Build and foster a collaborative culture between Global Engineering and Operations teams, breaking down silos to ensure seamless project execution and accelerated decision-making
Ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance across all projects and initiatives, maintaining Lonza's reputation for excellence while protecting both personnel and business interests
Develop and implement a robust training matrix for the Advanced Synthesis Operations Strategic Growth Projects group, ensuring consistent capability development and knowledge retention across the organization

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biologics, or a related scientific field

Experience

Proven experience in manufacturing, engineering, safety, and compliance within a matrix organization

Required Skills

Demonstrated ability to lead small cross-functional teams and improve operational processes Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a mindset to challenge the status quo Fluent in English; German is preferred Familiarity with Lonza's processes and structures is a strong advantage

Certifications

LBMS Green or Black Belt certification is considered a plus
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The life sciences industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased demand for biologics and advanced therapeutics, with operational excellence becoming a critical differentiator for companies managing complex global manufacturing networks. Companies are investing heavily in lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to maintain competitive advantage. Digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing is accelerating, with organizations implementing advanced analytics, IoT sensors, and AI-driven process optimization to improve operational efficiency and reduce time-to-market for critical therapies. This trend is creating demand for operational excellence leaders who can bridge traditional manufacturing with modern technology. Regulatory pressure in life sciences continues to intensify globally, requiring sophisticated operational frameworks that ensure compliance while maintaining efficiency. The industry is moving toward harmonized global processes to simplify regulatory approvals and reduce operational complexity across multiple jurisdictions.

Role Significance

Typically manages 5-12 direct and indirect reports across multiple sites, with influence over cross-functional teams of 20-50 professionals including engineers, quality specialists, and operations personnel. Matrix organization structure requires managing through influence rather than direct authority.
Senior management role with significant strategic influence, reporting to Director level and responsible for shaping operational practices across a global network. The position requires executive-level thinking while maintaining hands-on involvement in process improvement initiatives.

Key Projects

Global process standardization initiatives worth millions in efficiency gains Implementation of lean manufacturing systems across multiple manufacturing sites Development of comprehensive training and knowledge management programs Cross-site technology transfer and process optimization projects Regulatory compliance framework development and implementation

Success Factors

Ability to influence and drive change in complex matrix organizations where success depends on collaboration rather than hierarchical authority Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes combined with expertise in lean methodologies and continuous improvement frameworks Strong project management capabilities with experience managing multiple concurrent initiatives across different time zones and cultural contexts Exceptional communication skills to bridge technical and business stakeholders while maintaining alignment on strategic objectives Data-driven decision making with ability to establish meaningful KPIs and translate operational metrics into business impact

Market Demand

High demand driven by industry expansion, regulatory complexity, and the critical need for operational excellence in life sciences manufacturing. The combination of technical expertise and operational leadership skills makes this a sought-after profile.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Matrix organization leadership is absolutely essential as this role requires driving change across multiple sites and functions without direct authority. Success depends entirely on influence, relationship building, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement expertise forms the foundation of the role, as the primary responsibility involves implementing operational excellence methodologies across complex pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Cross-functional team leadership capabilities are crucial for coordinating between Global Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams while managing stakeholder expectations and competing priorities across different organizational functions.

Beneficial Skills

Six Sigma or similar process improvement certification enhances credibility and provides structured methodologies for driving operational excellence initiatives in highly regulated environments. Pharmaceutical industry experience accelerates effectiveness by providing understanding of regulatory requirements, quality standards, and industry best practices that are critical for success in life sciences manufacturing. Multilingual capabilities, particularly German fluency, enable more effective communication with local teams and stakeholders while supporting career mobility within Lonza's global organization.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to shape operational excellence practices across a global network of high-tech manufacturing facilities serving the world's leading pharmaceutical companies
Direct involvement in strategic growth projects that will define Lonza's competitive position in the rapidly expanding biologics and specialty chemicals markets
Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and processes in one of the industry's most sophisticated production networks
Chance to build and lead organizational capabilities that will be critical for managing increasing complexity in pharmaceutical manufacturing

Career Growth

3-5 years to Director level with strong performance, 7-10 years to VP level depending on business growth and individual contribution to organizational success

Potential Next Roles

Director of Operations for regional or global business units Vice President of Manufacturing Excellence or Operational Excellence General Manager roles combining operational and commercial responsibilities Chief Operating Officer positions in mid-sized life sciences companies

Company Overview

Lonza

Lonza is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and specialty ingredients markets. The company operates major manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, with particular strength in biologics manufacturing, small molecule APIs, and cell and gene therapy production.

Lonza holds a top-tier position in the global CDMO market, competing with companies like Catalent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Samsung Biologics. The company's Advanced Synthesis division focuses on complex chemical manufacturing for pharmaceutical clients, representing a high-value segment of the market.
The Visp, Switzerland location is one of Lonza's most important manufacturing sites and serves as a major hub for the Advanced Synthesis network. This position offers exposure to global operations while being based at a strategically important facility with significant investment in growth projects.
Lonza emphasizes scientific excellence, ethical business practices, and employee empowerment with a focus on meaningful work that improves lives. The company culture supports professional development and career ownership while maintaining high standards for safety and quality.
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