Senior Director, Commercial Development Innovation Lead

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 Commercial Development Innovation Lead drives the commercial development innovation roadmap across ADS R&D technology platforms, delivering differentiated, industry‑leading offerings that accelerate development, enhance manufacturing performance, and strengthen Lonza’s competitive position. Acts as a strategic thought partner to R&D and Commercial Development, shaping innovation priorities based on market dynamics and customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial development innovation strategy and roadmap across ADS technologies, including licensing‑related innovation.

• Serve as the commercial development thought partner to ADS R&D leadership, with strong engagement across R&D, MSAT, Development Services, and Operations.

• Provide market, competitive, and customer insights to define differentiated offerings and guide prioritization through innovation stage gates.

• Identify and develop new customer‑centric offerings (e.g. Fast‑to‑IND solutions, digital‑enabled development platforms) aligned with market trends.

• Build robust business cases, including value propositions, sales forecasts, and compelling commercial narratives.

• Lead global launch readiness, coordinating cross‑regional and cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure successful deployment and adoption.

• Drive portfolio prioritization and resource alignment to maximize strategic and commercial impact.

• Collaborate closely with R&D functions, Operations, Quality, Sales, Commercial Development, and central innovation teams to progress innovation initiatives.

• Champion the deployment of new tools, capabilities, and ways of working that enable value creation for customers.

• Ensure strong cross‑functional alignment on priorities, feasibility, and execution plans.

Key Requirements

• Ph.D. in Science or an equivalent professional qualification or experience; background in chemistry, biology, biochemical engineering, biochemistry, or related fields.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a pharmaceutical or CDMO environment, with a strong focus on development and commercialization of advanced technologies.

• Proven track record in commercializing innovative technologies and launching differentiated offerings in complex, matrix organizations.

• Deep scientific and technical expertise in relevant ADS technologies (e.g. chemistry, bioenhancement, bioconjugation, digital solutions).

• Strong strategic and commercial mindset, with the ability to translate strategy into clear priorities and tangible outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead across global, cross‑functional teams without direct authority.

• Executive presence with excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical topics into business‑relevant insights.

• Results‑driven, self‑directed, and adaptable, with high learning agility.

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.