Director, Supply Chain

Lonza; Walkersville (MD); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching plan

Life insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Lonza is seeking a seasoned Supply Chain professional to lead operations in our Walkersville, MD location. The role involves overseeing Planning, Procurement, and ensuring alignment with business priorities. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in supply chain functions, particularly within GMP-regulated environments.

The position offers a full-time salary between $190,000 to $225,000 along with benefits such as performance-related bonuses and comprehensive insurance plans. Join us in shaping the future of life sciences!

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Supply Chain or related functions in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Proven ability to manage teams in direct and matrixed settings.
• Strong expertise in S&OP and demand/supply balancing.

Responsibilities

• Lead supply chain operations including Planning, Procurement, and Order Fulfillment.
• Develop and execute master production schedules.
• Drive inventory management excellence.

Skills

Leadership in Supply Chain

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

Analytical skills

Project Management

Communication skills

Job description

Location: This position is based in our Walkersville, MD office. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST.

What you will get

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $190,000 to $225,000.

• Performance-related bonus.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Paid time off (PTO).

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do

• Lead end-to-end supply chain operations for the site, including Planning, Procurement, Warehousing, and Order Fulfillment, ensuring alignment with business and customer priorities.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for Durham, NC site Supply Chain activities, specifically Planning and Purchasing, ensuring alignment with broader network and business objectives.
• Serve as a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT) and Global Supply Chain Leadership Team, influencing strategy and driving site performance.
• Own and optimize the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, balancing demand, supply, capacity, and financial targets.
• Develop and execute master production schedules and material plans that enable reliable delivery, inventory optimization, and cost efficiency.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality (QA/QC), MS&T, Program Management, Finance, and HR to drive operational excellence.
• Lead monthly operations reviews and support S&OP forums, providing data-driven insights, forecasts, and scenario planning to guide decision-making.
• Oversee sourcing, procurement, and supplier collaboration in partnership with global teams to ensure material availability and cost competitiveness.
• Drive inventory management excellence, including material flow, warehouse operations, and inventory accuracy.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion standardization, harmonization, and process improvements across sites, leveraging best practices and driving change initiatives.
• Lead or contribute to global and site-level strategic initiatives, including operational excellence, network optimization, and special projects.
• Ensure strong customer focus by aligning supply chain execution with customer needs and delivering consistent, high-quality service.

What we are looking for

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Supply Chain, Operations, or related functions, ideally within a GMP-regulated environment (biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences).
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams in both direct and matrixed environments.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including planning, procurement, warehousing, and distribution.
• Strong expertise in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and demand/supply balancing in complex manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within a site leadership team.
• Strategic mindset with strong business acumen and the ability to translate data into actionable decisions.
• Experience driving operational excellence initiatives, including Lean or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills, including financial, inventory, and capacity planning.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and drive alignment across functions.
• Proven ability to lead through change, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of accountability, ownership, and ability to navigate complex challenges with sound judgment.

Travel: Willingness and ability to travel approximately 10% of the time to meet business objectives.

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 offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 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.