Director Manufacturing Lead

The actual location of this job is in Visp, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

This is a fully site‑based role. 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 are looking to recruit a Manufacturing Lead (Director) to build up the operations organization for the Payload-Linker capacity expansion in Visp.  Leads a team of  production leaders, supervisors and specialists You will manage the operational readiness and provide leadership to the CQ-project team incl. the post OQ Start-up within the investment / Capex Project. After becoming operational, you will oversee the operational activities of the manufacturing unit with overall responsibility of manufacturing execution regarding safety, quality and on-time-in full delivery, as well as for the performance and results of the assigned area including cost control.  

What you’ll get: 

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.

The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits.

What you will do: 

• Lead a team of production managers (chemists/chemical engineers), supervisors, and specialists, with full responsibility for all aspects of people management, including qualification, development, coaching, hiring, compensation decisions, and performance or conduct issues. 
• Manage the operational readiness within the CAPEX project and provide leadership to the CQ-project team incl. the post OQ Start-up
• 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. 

What we are looking for: 

• 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 in the pharmaceutical industry, in leadership roles. 
• Strong knowledge of GMP and EHS requirements. 
• Fluency in English, German is an advantage
• Experience with Operational Excellence / LEAN principles is an advantage. 

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.