Senior Director, Global Head Transformation Advanced Synthesis

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 Transformation is a key member of the Global MSAT Team Advanced Synthesis (ADS) and responsible for driving transformation initiatives across the global ADS site network. This role accelerates productivity improvements, foster operational excellence, and lead digitalization and training programs that enable sustainable performance and innovation, supporting Lonza’s long‑term strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the global transformation strategy for ADS operations, including long‑term roadmap, prioritization, governance, and execution of critical initiatives that shape the network’s future.

• Drive and sustain Operational Excellence and productivity improvement programs aligned with strategic business priorities, delivering measurable gains in efficiency, cost reduction, and reliability.

• Champion digitalization by introducing and scaling advanced digital tools and systems that enhance process performance, data integrity, and operational flexibility across sites.

• Develop, implement, and manage global training frameworks that build strong technical and operational capabilities across the workforce to meet evolving technology needs.

• Identify, prioritize, and deliver high‑impact cross‑functional projects using LBMS principles to ensure timely, sustainable outcomes.

• Lead and mentor local OE, Training, and Transformation leaders, fostering a harmonized, high‑performing, and collaborative network culture.

• Maintain strong communication channels between senior leadership and site teams, ensuring transparency, alignment, and effective governance.

• Monitor, track, and report progress of strategic initiatives to global stakeholders, ensuring accountability and informed decision‑making.

• Partner closely across MSAT, EHS, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, and Operations to drive consistency, compliance, and best‑practice adoption across the ADS network.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field; Master’s degree or eMBA preferred.

• Extensive experience (+10 years) in Manufacturing, Operations, MSAT, Engineering, or Operational Excellence.

• Proven track record in leading global transformation initiatives, operational excellence programs, and productivity improvements in complex manufacturing environments.

• Strong expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement methodologies; green or black belt certification preferred.

• Solid understanding of digitalization strategies and ability to deploy digital tools in manufacturing environments.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in global or multi‑site settings, with the ability to motivate, influence, and develop diverse teams.

• Strong business acumen with capability to translate strategy into actionable, measurable outcomes.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions and regions.

• Strong understanding of GMP and global regulatory frameworks, with experience supporting compliant operations.

The actual location of this job is in Basel, Switzerland and/or in Walkersville, USA. 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.