Director Manufacturing Lead (m/f/d) - Visp

About the role

Lonza is recruiting a Manufacturing Lead (Director) for its Payload-Linker capacity expansion in Visp, Switzerland. This is a fully site-based role, 80-100%, working in person to support close collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a team of production managers (chemists/chemical engineers), supervisors and specialists, with full responsibility for people management, including qualification, development, coaching, hiring, compensation decisions and performance or conduct issues.
• Manage operational readiness within the CAPEX project and lead the CQ-project team, including the post-OQ start-up.
• Execute 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 in 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 and operational controls.
• Serve as the operational specialist and regular contact for BU team members on production planning (S&OP), technical assessments and feasibility requests.
• Monitor routine performance through weekly reports, dashboards, Hoshin boards and other reporting tools.

Required profile

• 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.
• Fluency in English; German is an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of GMP and EHS requirements.
• Experience with Operational Excellence / LEAN principles is an advantage.

What we offer

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