Manufacturing Lead 80-100%

Lonza Group Ltd.; Stein (AR); On-site; CHF 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile culture

Inclusive workplace

Competitive compensation

Location-based benefits

Global benefits list

Local benefits

Job summary

Lonza Group Ltd. is seeking a senior leader to head the qualification, readiness, and startup of a state-of-the-art ADC fill & finish line in Stein, Switzerland.

This role will build and guide a high-performing manufacturing organization, fostering safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a rapidly growing environment. You will coordinate with Engineering, QA, QC, PM, and Drug Product Services, lead client-facing qualification activities, and support audits and inspections

Qualifications

• Degree in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• Substantial GMP manufacturing experience.
• Aseptic fill & finish manufacturing experience; lyophilization is a plus.
• Experience with qualification of manufacturing equipment and start-up activities.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualification, operational readiness, and start-up of a state-of-the-art ADC fill & finish line.
• Build, develop, and inspire a high-performing manufacturing organization focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical and scientific leadership across manufacturing and GMP-execution.
• Coordinate qualification activities with clients and represent the facility during audits and inspections.
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA, QC, Project Management, and Drug Product Services to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

GMP manufacturing

Aseptic fill & finish

Cross-functional collaboration

Start-up / qualification

Team management

Education

Biotech/Pharma degree

Engineering/Science background

Job description

The actual location of this job is in Stein, AG, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed. Join an exciting greenfield project and lead the build-up of a next-generation manufacturing organization for a state-of-the-art ADC fill & finish facility, designed for large-scale commercial production. As the site enters its critical qualification phase, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating cross‑functional teams and customer partnerships to successfully bring this flagship facility from construction to commercial operations.

This role is primarily based on site. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards. We offer flexibility to work remotely for no more than 20% of your time. Requests are considered on a case‑by‑case basis, in line with business needs.

What you will get:

• An agile career and 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 found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits
• Our local benefits can be found here: 3cf206339e0e4e41a77e8c806138c2b5

What you will do:

• Lead the successful qualification, operational readiness, and start‑up of a state-of-the-art ADC fill & finish manufacturing line, ensuring a seamless transition from project execution into commercial operations.
• Build, develop, and inspire a high‑performing manufacturing organization, fostering a culture of safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a rapidly growing environment.
• Provide technical and scientific leadership across manufacturing, supporting complex operational challenges, risk assessments, process optimization, and GMP‑compliant execution.
• Act as a key customer‑facing leader, coordinating qualification activities with clients and representing the facility during audits, inspections, and strategic business interactions.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, QA, QC, Project Management, and Drug Product Services functions to drive innovation, ensure operational excellence, and establish the foundation for large‑scale commercial production.

What we are looking for:

• Degree in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, combined with substantial experience in GMP manufacturing environments.
• Proven expertise in aseptic fill & finish manufacturing of liquid drug products is a must, additional experience with lyophilization process is an asset.
• Demonstrated expertise with qualification of manufacturing equipment, operational readiness, or manufacturing start‑up activities, with the ability to thrive in fast‑paced and evolving environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with direct people management responsibilities is a must, including performance management, talent development, coaching, and building high‑performing teams.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration and communication skills, with a track record of partnering effectively with functions such as Quality, MSAT, Engineering, and Supply Chain; experience with health authority inspections, cutomer audits, and German language skills are advantageous.

You will feel at home at Lonza if you:

• Take ownership, step forward, and enjoy meaningful responsibility
• Love solving problems and thrive in a complex, fast‑moving environment
• Are curious, always looking to learn and improve
• Work collaboratively, contributing to something bigger than yourself
• Are motivated to make a difference through work that impacts customers and their patients

Why Lonza:

We are a place of unique opportunity, where your ideas, expertise and ambition can make a real difference. Here, you will have the freedom to grow, the support to succeed and the chance to contribute to work that matters. We are the makers of the medicines of tomorrow. Join us. Be you.