Pilot Plant Operations Lead (USP/DSP)

Lonza; Slough; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile career and dynamic culture

Inclusive and ethical workplace

Compensation programs recognizing high

Performance-based rewards

Job summary

Lonza is seeking an experienced Pilot Operations Lead to join the MSAT Pilot Plant team in Slough. You will provide strategic, technical and operational leadership across USP and/or DSP pilot-scale operations, overseeing a technically advanced team and ensuring delivery to quality, safety and cost targets.

This fully site-based role requires strong technical expertise, people leadership and a track record of delivering high-quality outcomes in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Qualifications

• BSc in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline with biopharma exposure.
• Strong experience in Upstream Processing (USP) and/or Downstream Processing (DSP).
• Proven pilot-scale leadership and technical oversight.
• End-to-end understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; able to troubleshoot.
• Strong data analysis and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Collaborative leadership style with cross-functional influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of direct reports.
• Plan and deliver pilot stages in collaboration with internal and external teams.
• Oversee quality, safety, and batch logistics for USP/DSP pilot facilities.
• Influence project discussions with stakeholders through strong communication.
• Manage performance, objectives and personal development.
• Identify training needs and drive operational improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement including EHS and cost reduction.

Skills

USP Experience

DSP Experience

People Leadership

Process Development

Project Management

Education

BSc in science or engineering

Job description

Lonza is seeking an experienced Pilot Operations Lead to join the MSAT Pilot Plant team in Slough. You will provide strategic, technical and operational leadership across USP and/or DSP pilot-scale operations, overseeing a technically advanced team and ensuring delivery to quality, safety and cost targets.

This fully site-based role requires strong technical expertise, people leadership and a track record of delivering high-quality outcomes in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.