Global Operational Quality Specialist

Lonza Group Ltd.; Greenwood (SC); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Lonza Group Ltd. seeks a Global Operational Quality Specialist to drive consistent QA/QC processes across its global network. You will shape governance, performance monitoring, training, and quality systems through collaboration with site teams, promoting harmonized QA/QC practices and continuous improvement.

You will coordinate CAPA, quality events, and risk follow-up, while leading global quality initiatives aligned with business priorities and ensuring inspection readiness across sites.

Qualifications

• MSc in Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Life Sciences or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in a GMP-regulated environment with global quality systems and cross-site initiatives.
• Strong GMP, quality governance, CAPA, change management, and regulatory knowledge.
• Proven ability to harmonize global quality standards and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the global Quality governance model with KPI/KQI frameworks and inspection-ready performance.
• Coordinate escalation processes, oversee CAPA governance and cross-site risk follow-up.
• Define and coordinate the Global Quality Plan, APRs, and Management Reviews.
• Develop and drive Global Quality Culture and Quality Excellence programs.
• Create, implement, and improve global QA/QC standards, SOPs, and release frameworks.
• Lead global quality change management and ensure cross-site implementation.

Skills

Quality governance

KPI/KQI development

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Stakeholder management

Digital reporting

Change management

Education

MSc in Pharmacy, Biotechnology, or related field

Tools

LIMS

QMS

SharePoint

Dashboard tools

Job description

The Global Operational Quality Specialist coordinates and drives the consistent execution of Operational Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes across the global network. The role ensures effective implementation of quality governance, standards, performance monitoring, training, and quality systems through cross-functional collaboration with global and site quality teams. The function supports harmonization of QA/QC practices, coordinates global quality initiatives, monitors execution, and drives timely follow-up of quality actions, risks, and improvement opportunities. The position also facilitates knowledge sharing, strengthens inspection readiness, and promotes sustainable operational quality performance across sites.

What you will do

• Define and maintain the global Quality governance model, including governance structures, KPI/KQI frameworks, reporting processes, and inspection-ready performance management.
• Coordinate global escalation processes, oversee CAPA governance and effectiveness, and drive follow-up of cross-site quality risks, critical quality events, and operational QA/QC issues.
• Define, monitor, and coordinate execution of the Global Quality Plan, Annual Product Reviews, Management Reviews, and strategic quality initiatives aligned with business priorities.
• Develop and drive global Quality Culture and Quality Excellence programs, including communication, best practice sharing, and execution governance across all sites.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve global QA/QC standards, corporate SOPs, product release frameworks, control strategies, and quality oversight models.
• Drive global harmonization of quality practices through structured gap assessments, implementation follow-up, and inspection-ready quality standards across sites.
• Define, implement, and maintain the global GxP training framework, including governance, curricula, training effectiveness, and Learning Management System processes.
• Support the global coordination of critical quality events by establishing investigation principles, promoting robust root cause analysis, and defining technical expectations for CAPA effectiveness.
• Lead quality change management for global operational quality processes by initiating global changes, performing quality impact assessments, and ensuring cross-site implementation.
• Support business growth by providing QA/QC expertise for strategic initiatives, driving process optimization and digitalization, and embedding continuous improvement into operational quality practices.

What we are looking for

• MSc in Pharmacy, Biotechnology, (Bio-)Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a GMP-regulated environment, including global quality systems, operational QA/QC, quality governance, and cross-site quality initiatives.
• Strong technical expertise in GMP, QMS, LIMS, product testing and release, validation, data integrity, inspection readiness, CAPA, change management, and regulatory expectations.
• Proven ability to develop, harmonize, and implement global quality standards, governance frameworks, and operational quality processes, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong analytical and digital capabilities, including KPI/KQI development, trend analysis, SharePoint, and digital reporting dashboards and automation tools to support data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent coordination, stakeholder management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence across global QA, QC, Operations, Validation, and senior leadership while delivering practical, scalable, and sustainable quality solutions.
• Willingness to travel (up to 10%)