Director, Strategy & Operations, Licensing

Lonza; Slough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences company is seeking a Director of Strategy & Operations for Licensing in Slough. The role involves developing growth strategies, leading a customer support team, and ensuring alignment across various functions. Qualified candidates will have a Master’s degree and extensive experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical sectors. This is an opportunity to drive strategic initiatives and enhance operational performance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing cross-functional projects.
• Communicate an inspiring vision for company’s future.
• Drive innovation through new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies based on market trends.
• Track progress against strategic plans to improve profitability.
• Deliver Business Status Reviews and forecasts to senior leaders.

Skills

Licensing experience within a CDMO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment

Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Experience leading complex projects

Education

Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

The role:

The Director, Strategy & Operations, Licensing will be responsible for supporting the operational performance and execution of key initiatives within the Licensing BU, contributing to revenue tracking, customer engagement, and functional alignment. Partners with internal stakeholders to enhance business efficiency and support growth programs. Oversees day-to-day business processes, customer support excellence, and cross-functional coordination. Reports to the Global BU Head of Licensing, with line management responsibility for a small team.

This is an exciting opportunity to Lead strategic growth initiatives for the Business Unit (BU), with a mid-term goal of reaching 500M CHF in revenue.

This role can be based in Slough, London or Basel, Switzerland!

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies based on in-depth analysis of market trends, technology shifts, competitive landscape, and unmet customer needs

• Work together with internal collaborators and external partners to define and implement effective growth plans

• Track and report progress against strategic plans to improve profitability and increase return on investment

• Ensure timely, accurate, and proactive reporting of BU revenues within Lonza’s financial systems

• Deliver Business Status Reviews (BSRs) and BU Deep Dives to senior leaders, including detailed sales and cost forecasts with scenario planning

• Support Licensing BU growth opportunity teams with data-driven evaluations, forecasting input, presentations, and project execution

• Drive continuous improvement across Licensing BU operations in collaboration with cross-functional teams to boost efficiency and service quality

• Lead and mentor a high-performing Customer Support team serving over 200 licensing and 150 REA customers

• Implement and optimize robust systems and tools to ensure outstanding customer service

• Support BU Transactions and global teams with access to key technologies, service definitions, and Licensing BU positioning

• Partner with marketing to drive customer engagement initiatives, including portals and lead pipeline management

• Foster strong internal relationships to promote alignment and collaboration across the organization—embracing the "One Lonza" approach

Key requirements:

• Licensing experience within a CDMO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred, ideally in Business Administration, Pharmaceuticals, or a related field

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; skilled at building strong internal networks and cross-functional collaboration

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex, cross-functional projects

• Experience translating corporate strategy into actionable success factors and developing breakthrough implementation plans

• Enable timely, informed decision-making by effectively delegating and handling critical issues

• Communicate and champion an inspiring vision for the company’s future, aligning teams with strategic goals

• Bring fresh perspective and deep insight, driving innovation through new technologies and bold change initiatives

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.