Global MES & Automation Leader

Lonza; Basel; On-site; Vertraulich; Full time

Job summary

Lonza, Basel, seeks a Global Head of MES & Automation to lead the MES strategy and its global deployment across manufacturing sites. You will drive IT/OT integration, governance, and standardization while ensuring GMP compliance and cross-functional collaboration.

The role demands a strong background in pharmaceutical operations, program leadership, and the ability to manage large, matrixed teams across borders. Travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• GxP systems implementation or software development life cycle plus validation methodologies (CSV).
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech industries with GMP and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Strong coaching, mentoring and leadership capabilities with people management experience.
• Proven ability to collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver outcomes.
• Customer-focused with stakeholder management and scalable solutions.
• Track record of running high-performing, multinational teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, drive and audit the implementation of the global MES strategy across Lonza.
• Define global standards for operations network infrastructure, asset and incident management.
• Ensure MES functionality and regulatory compliance (GxP) with QA and IT.
• Mentor and develop MES experts; lead group MES teams with governance.
• Manage workforce planning, vendor relations, budgets and change management.
• Keep MES roadmap aligned with Lonza Target Architecture across sites.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT and Regulatory teams.
• Lead cross-functional alignment with senior management and site heads.

Skills

GxP & CSV

Leadership

IT/OT deployment

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project collaboration

Change management

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Automation or Computer Science

Job description

Lonza, Basel, seeks a Global Head of MES & Automation to lead the MES strategy and its global deployment across manufacturing sites. You will drive IT/OT integration, governance, and standardization while ensuring GMP compliance and cross-functional collaboration.

The role demands a strong background in pharmaceutical operations, program leadership, and the ability to manage large, matrixed teams across borders. Travel up to 20% may be required.