Automation Leader: Strategy & Sitewide Impact

Lonza; Portsmouth (NH); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile career culture

Inclusive workplace

Compensation programs

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Site-wide initiatives

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership development

Job summary

Lonza is seeking a strategic Head of Automation in Portsmouth, NH, onsite, to lead site automation across process control, MES, and OT. The role drives reliability, efficiency, and performance while steering cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and IT to deliver scalable automation solutions.

You will guide technology transfer, oversee budgets and long-term roadmaps, and champion continuous improvement to reduce downtime and elevate manufacturing operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, computer, chemical engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Significant leadership experience supporting automation systems within biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology manufacturing environments.
• Strong experience leading complex projects and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of process control systems, manufacturing execution systems, and operational technology environments.
• Understanding of cGMP-regulated manufacturing and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing automation team supporting process control, MES, and OT systems.
• Drive automation strategy to improve system reliability, production efficiency, and operational performance.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and IT to deliver automation solutions aligned with business goals.
• Lead technology transfer projects and ensure successful integration of new processes and systems.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that reduce downtime and optimize manufacturing operations.
• Oversee automation project budgets, resource planning, and long-term roadmap development.
• Use data, root cause analysis, and performance metrics to identify opportunities and implement improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Automation strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Process control systems

MES / OT knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Lonza is seeking a strategic Head of Automation in Portsmouth, NH, onsite, to lead site automation across process control, MES, and OT. The role drives reliability, efficiency, and performance while steering cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and IT to deliver scalable automation solutions.

You will guide technology transfer, oversee budgets and long-term roadmaps, and champion continuous improvement to reduce downtime and elevate manufacturing operations