Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences  operating  across five 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 Global Head of MSAT , Advanced Synthesis (ADS) plays a pivotal role in driving operational and technical excellence, innovation, and strategic growth across ADS Operations. This leadership position exists to ensure the successful implementation of productivity/innovation and accelerate and harmonize technology transfer and enhance manufacturing reliability and scalability. The role supports the development of new manufacturing assets, leads cross-functional teams in continuous improvement initiatives, and manages a global Technology Centre of Excellence to standardize performance and foster synergy across sites. Operating at a senior strategic level, the Global Head collaborates with Group Operations, Corporate EHS, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Engineering functions to ensure compliance, innovation, and alignment with ADS objectives, while providing direct leadership to key global ops functions including EHS, Transformation & OE, Digitalization, Tech Transfers and Process Technology & Innovation (PTI).

Key Re sponsibilities:

• Champions continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives by leading cross-functional teams and leveraging internal and external expertise to deliver on Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) set by the ADS Leadership Team.

• Improves reliability and scalability of existing and new manufacturing assets by reducing risk of failure, accelerating issue resolution, and embedding robust problem-solving methodologies.

• Oversees the strategic expansion of ADS manufacturing capabilities by supporting the establishment of new and extended manufacturing assets in America, Europe, and Asia. This includes the ownership and development of the standards design of manufacturing assets.

• Establishes and manages a Technology Centre of Excellence to optimize global performance, foster cross-site synergy , and standardize processes, capabilities, and metrics across all ADS sites.

• Ensures high levels of cGMP, regulatory, and safety compliance by partnering with EHS, Quality & Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, and Facilities & Engineering to monitor key metrics and drive continuous improvement.

• Conducts regular performance reviews and capability assessments across ADS operational units to provide independent assurance to the ADS LT that strategic objectives can be met with current technological capabilities.

• Leads the ADS MSAT and PTI teams to proactively resolve technical challenges with innovation, ensuring rapid and effective support to manufacturing sites.

• Drives the development and implementation of a robust ADS Technology Transfer framework, with a strong focus on early-phase capabilities to accelerate process transfers and reduce time-to-market.

• Collaborates closely with R&D to co-develop innovative technology platforms and novel manufacturing and analytical solutions, fostering a culture of openness, inclusion, and innovation.

• Provides strategic leadership and coaching to direct reports across Tech Transfer, PTI, Global Ops Digitalization, and Global Transformation (OE), ensuring alignment with ADS strategy and fostering high-performance teams

Key Requirements:

• University Degree in Chemistry , Engineering (Master) or equivalent in a life science field

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in areas such as Quality , MSAT , Engineering , Operational Excellence or Technical Transfers

• Proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams responsible for development, technology transfer, and commercial support across clinical and commercial programs within ADS CDMO environments.

• Extensive knowledge of GMP compliance, global regulatory frameworks, and manufacturing operations, with the ability to ensure consistent quality and regulatory alignment across diverse geographies.

• Advanced understanding of process engineering principles, including scale-up, scale-out, process modeling, predictive analytics, validation, and comparability—applied to deliver robust and scalable manufacturing outcomes.

• Hands-on experience with Operational Excellence and Lean methodologies, leveraging tools to drive continuous improvement, reduce variability, and enhance manufacturing efficiency - preferred Certification in Lean Manufacturing (Lean Six Sigma green belt or black belt)

• Strong familiarity with automation technologies and digital systems supporting operations, enabling data-driven decision-making and process optimization.

• Direct experience supporting manufacturing operations, with a clear understanding of the technical, logistical, and compliance challenges involved in delivering high-quality products at scale.

• Understanding of ADS manufacturing operations and associated automation technologies.

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

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.  

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.