Director Manufacturing Lead (m/f/d) 80-100%

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three 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.

We are looking to recruit a Manufacturing Lead (Director) to oversee the operational activities of a manufacturing unit with overall responsibility of manufacturing execution regarding safety, quality and on-time-in full delivery. Leads a team of production leaders, supervisors and specialists.

You will be accountable for the performance and results of the assigned area including cost control, managing the operational readiness and provides leadership to the CQ-project team incl. the post OQ Start-up within the investment / Capex Projects.

What you’ll get:

• An agile 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 also found on

• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates and their families

What you’ll do:

• Lead a team of production managers (chemists/biologists), supervisors, and specialists, with full responsibility for all aspects of people management, including qualification, development, coaching, hiring, compensation decisions, and performance or conduct issues.

• 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.

• Proactively support the successful handover of investment projects to the manufacturing team, ensuring appropriate training and accurate documentation

What we’re 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, ideally in leadership roles.

• Broad expertise in chemistry and chemical engineering.

• Strong knowledge of GMP and EHS requirements.

• Fluency in English and German.

• Experience with Operational Excellence / LEAN principles is an advantage.

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.

Reference: R68213