📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Operations Lead Growth Project (Drug Product Investment Project) (m/w/d)
🔹 Company: Lonza
🔹 Location: CH - Stein
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Operations, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-20
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading operations for two sub-projects of Lonza's growth investment program
- Ensuring operational readiness of new filling lines and supporting infrastructure
- Collaborating with engineering teams and existing site personnel
- Implementing Lonza's culture of change, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Managing project budget and cost center, driving cost reduction initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of operational, leadership, and project management skills. It involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Secure operational readiness of new facility and its takeover, integrating it into the manufacturing network
✅ Ensure timely end-user input throughout all project phases to incorporate operational and maintenance needs
✅ Build operation teams early to facilitate C&Q activities, familiarization with equipment, and technical understanding
✅ Ensure facility and utility readiness in collaboration with the engineering team and existing Stein site
✅ Implement Lonza's culture of openness, innovation, partnership, and continuous improvement
✅ Manage people, including qualification, development, coaching, hiring, pay decisions, and performance issues
✅ Manage project budget and execute according to plan and budget
✅ Develop goals and strategy, prioritizing them in line with Lonza's overall goals
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on operational management, and team leadership.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: University Degree or equivalent experience in Pharmaceutical Sciences, chemistry, process engineering, or related fields
Experience: Proven experience in sterile drug product manufacturing, aseptic processing (lyophilization and HPAPI), and GMP
Required Skills:
- Strong technical background in sterile drug product manufacturing and aseptic processing
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire others and create a positive work climate
- Strong communication skills in speaking, writing, and presenting, with proficiency in German and English
- Depth understanding of operational excellence and business/financial processes
- Capex project experience from an operational perspective
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the pharmaceutical industry and familiarity with Lonza's operations
- Knowledge of the local regulatory environment and industry standards
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong technical background and proven leadership skills to excel in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CHF 120,000 - 160,000 per year (estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- Dynamic and international work environment
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual salary may vary based on individual qualifications and company policy.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Lonza is a global leader in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, specializing in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, biopharmaceuticals, and other life science products.
Company Size: Lonza is a large organization with over 17,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.
Founded: Lonza was founded in 1897 and has since grown into a global company with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
Company Description:
- Lonza is a pioneer and world leader in the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) industry
- Setting the pace with cutting-edge science, smart technology, and lean manufacturing
- United by a common purpose, Lonza turns customers' breakthrough innovations into viable therapies and manufactures the medicines of tomorrow
Company Specialties:
- Pharmaceutical ingredients
- Bioscience
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Custom manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Life science ingredients
- Nutrition
- Cell Therapy
- Gene Therapy
- Capsules
Company Website: http://www.lonza.com
ASSUMPTION: Lonza's extensive experience and global presence provide a strong foundation for applicants seeking a stable and innovative work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-to-senior level, offering opportunities for career growth within Lonza's operations and project management functions.
Reporting Structure: The Operations Lead reports directly to the Site Director and works closely with various teams, including engineering, operations, and quality assurance.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with flexibility for remote work during specific project phases or as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior operations management roles within Lonza
- Expansion into other functional areas, such as quality, engineering, or business development
- International assignments and exposure to diverse projects and teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential within Lonza's global operations and project management functions.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Lonza's Stein site is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Office Location(s): CH - Stein
Geographic Context:
- The Stein site is located in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland, offering a high quality of life and easy access to major cities
- The region is known for its beautiful landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities
- Switzerland provides a stable and business-friendly environment for pharmaceutical manufacturing
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility for project needs and potential overtime during critical project phases
ASSUMPTION: The Stein site offers a modern and collaborative work environment, with easy access to cultural attractions and outdoor activities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- On-site interviews with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final interview with the Site Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in sterile drug product manufacturing and aseptic processing
- Leadership skills and ability to manage teams
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Alignment with Lonza's values and company culture
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in sterile drug product manufacturing and Capex projects
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences that match the required qualifications
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
ATS Keywords: Sterile Drug Product Manufacturing, Aseptic Processing, Lyophilization, HPAPI, GMP, Capex Projects, Operational Readiness, Team Management, Budget Management
ASSUMPTION: Lonza's application process is designed to assess candidates' technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit within the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira)
- Quality management systems (e.g., Q-Pulse, Sparta Systems)
- Manufacturing execution systems (e.g., MES, ERP)
ASSUMPTION: Lonza uses industry-standard tools and technologies to support its operations and project management functions.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Quality
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Sustainability
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
- Collaborative and team-oriented culture
- Focus on continuous improvement and innovation
- Strong commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you ensure operational readiness and integrate new facilities into an existing manufacturing network?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you managed a team through a significant change or expansion project?
- How do you balance short-term project needs with long-term strategic goals?
ASSUMPTION: Lonza values candidates who are strong communicators, team players, and committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and balancing their priorities
- Adapting to changes in project scope, timelines, or resources
- Ensuring regulatory compliance and quality standards in a dynamic project environment
- Managing a team through a significant expansion or change project
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to project management, stakeholder communication, and operational readiness.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other operations management roles, this position focuses specifically on the operational readiness of new filling lines and supporting infrastructure
- This role requires a strong technical background in sterile drug product manufacturing and aseptic processing, with a focus on lyophilization and HPAPI
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior operations management positions within Lonza's global network
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of operational, project management, and leadership responsibilities, with a strong focus on sterile drug product manufacturing and aseptic processing.
📝 Sample Projects
- Expansion of two lyophilized vial filling lines with cytotoxic capabilities
- Supporting infrastructure for the new filling lines, including clean and black utilities, HVAC, clean rooms, maintenance, and waste handling
- Integration of the new facility into the existing manufacturing network
ASSUMPTION: These projects require a strong understanding of sterile drug product manufacturing, aseptic processing, and operational readiness.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of the expansion project and the expected timeline for completion?
- How does this role fit into the overall organizational structure and long-term strategic goals?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Lonza support the professional development and career growth of its employees?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the operations team in the near future, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role's scope, priorities, and long-term potential within Lonza's operations and project management functions.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Lonza Careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in sterile drug product manufacturing, Capex projects, and operational readiness
- Prepare for interview questions that focus on your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit within Lonza
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
