Associate Director – Upstream Development (f/m/d)

Lonza; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in life sciences is seeking an Associate Director for Upstream Development to lead impactful projects and drive innovation in bioprocessing. The role requires strong leadership, advanced technical knowledge, and a proven track record in a GMP environment. Candidates should have an advanced degree and at least 10 years of experience. This position offers a dynamic work culture and various benefits, including relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

Benefits

Dynamic work culture

Numerous lifestyle benefits

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in upstream development in the GMP environment.
• Proven track record in technology transfer and scale-up.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary projects to implement technology changes.
• Manage project portfolios using lean project management principles.
• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

Education

Advanced degree in chemical engineering, biotechnology, or related field

Job description

The actual location of this job is in Visp, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

As Associate Director, Upstream Development , you will join a team of senior subject matter experts driving strategic technology programs and providing global SME support across Lonza’s Integrated Biologics network. This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful projects, influence scientific direction, and shape the future of bioprocessing innovation.

What you will get :

• An agile career and a dynamic work culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect numerous lifestyle, family, and leisure benefits. Our full list of tailored local benefits can be found below.
• Benefits in Visp: https://bit.ly/3wjkoFi

What you will do :

• Lead multi-disciplinary projects across Lonza’s Integrated Biologics global network to implement technology changes, monitor technical performance, and drive alignment.
• Manage project portfolios using lean project management principles to deliver on time and within budget.
• Act as a globally recognized subject matter expert upstream.
• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support across sites to resolve complex challenges.
• Influence external forums and promote Lonza’s capabilities to customers.
• Mentor and coach mid-level scientists to support professional growth.
• Contribute to Lonza’s strategy for business growth and new product introduction.

What we are looking for :

• Advanced degree in chemical engineering, biotechnology, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in upstream development in the GMP environment.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proven track record in technology transfer and scale-up.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Business fluent in 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.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.