Team Lead QC Microbiology Review & Data Release (m/f/d) (100%)

Lonza Group Ltd.; Oberwallis; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile career

Inclusive workplace

Performance pay

Location benefits

Job summary

Lonza Group Ltd. in Visp, Switzerland, is seeking a leader for QC Microbiology Reviewers to drive data review, release and documentation across the site. You will build a high-performing team and ensure compliant, timely release of microbiological data to support manufacturing operations.

You will oversee performance management, resource planning and cross-functional collaboration with QA, Manufacturing and Site Leadership to meet product release timelines and regulatory expectations.

Qualifications

• University degree in microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, biology or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical QC, QA or microbiological laboratory operations within a GMP-regulated environment.
• Proven experience leading teams, developing people and driving operational performance.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological testing, batch release processes and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and coach a team of 8–12 QC Microbiology Reviewers, building a culture of quality, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Manage performance, talent development, succession planning and employee engagement.
• Plan resources and distribute workloads to meet changing business demands, manufacturing schedules and project priorities.
• Oversee the timely review, approval and release of microbiological analytical data and associated QC records supporting batch release across the site.
• Monitor review cycle times, throughput and operational performance, driving improvements in efficiency, capacity and quality.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, internal procedures, data integrity principles and regulatory requirements, maintaining robust documentation and inspection readiness.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex technical and compliance matters, aligning priorities with critical product release timelines.
• Represent microbiological data review processes during regulatory inspections and customer audits.
• Partner with QA, Manufacturing, MSAT, Project Management and Site Leadership to resolve issues, support supply commitments and lead cross-functional improvement initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

GMP expertise

Quality management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

University degree in microbiology/biotechnology/pharma

Tools

Regulatory inspections experience

Job description

We are currently looking for a to join our Quality Control team in Visp, Switzerland. In this role, you will lead a team of 8–12 reviewers responsible for reviewing, approving and releasing microbiological analytical data supporting manufacturing operations across the Visp site. Bring your leadership skills and GMP expertise to ensure timely, compliant data release and support the reliable supply of medicines to patients.

What you’ll 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 also be found at lonza.com/careers/benefits.

What you’ll do:

• Lead, develop and coach a team of 8–12 QC Microbiology Reviewers, building a culture of quality, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Manage performance, talent development, succession planning and employee engagement
• Plan resources and distribute workloads to meet changing business demands, manufacturing schedules and project priorities
• Oversee the timely review, approval and release of microbiological analytical data and associated QC records supporting batch release across the site
• Monitor review cycle times, throughput and operational performance, driving improvements in efficiency, capacity and quality
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, internal procedures, data integrity principles and regulatory requirements, maintaining robust documentation and inspection readiness
• Serve as an escalation point for complex technical and compliance matters, aligning priorities with critical product release timelines
• Represent microbiological data review processes during regulatory inspections and customer audits
• Partner with QA, Manufacturing, MSAT, Project Management and Site Leadership to resolve issues, support supply commitments and lead cross-functional improvement initiatives

What we’re looking for:

• A university degree in microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, biology or a related scientific discipline
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical QC, QA or microbiological laboratory operations within a GMP-regulated environment
• Proven experience leading teams, developing people and driving operational performance
• Strong knowledge of microbiological testing, batch release processes, investigation management and regulatory requirements
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections and customer audits
• Strong business acumen and sound judgment when balancing quality, compliance and operational priorities
• The ability to manage competing priorities and guide teams through a complex, rapidly changing manufacturing environment
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and facilitation skills
• Fluency in German and English

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

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.

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