Site Head of Human Resources

Lonza Group; Vacaville, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 211,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Lonza Group seeks a strategic Head of Human Resources to lead the full HR function at the Vacaville site. You will partner with site and business leaders to drive people strategies that boost performance, engage talent, and sustain growth in life sciences manufacturing.

The role requires global HR leadership experience in GMP manufacturing or biotech, excellence in change management, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. Fluency in English is essential, German a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Experience in GMP manufacturing or pharmaceutical/biotech settings.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive organizational change.
• English fluency; German knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with Lonza's goals.
• Oversee employee lifecycle: acquisition, onboarding, performance, compensation, relations.
• Lead and mentor the HR team.
• Advise senior leadership on org design and change management.
• Drive talent management and leadership development.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws across regions.
• Oversee HR analytics and reporting.

Skills

HR Leadership

Stakeholder Influence

Talent Acquisition

Change Management

HR Analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related

Master's degree preferred

Tools

HRIS

Workday

Job description

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three 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.

Due to continued business growth, expanding and internal leadership movement, Lonza is seeking an experienced, strategic, and dynamic Head of Human Resources to lead the full HR function for our Vacaville site. This senior leadership role serves as a trusted advisor to site and business leaders, driving people strategies that enable organizational performance, foster a high-performance culture, and support the achievement of Lonza's long-term business objectives.

As a key member of the site leadership team, this individual will play a critical role in shaping and strengthening the organizational culture, developing a comprehensive agenda on talent acquisition and management, leading change management efforts, and building leadership capabilities across the organization. The Head of HR will champion Lonza's values and purpose, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven environment that supports innovation, engagement, and sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate will bring deep HR leadership experience within a complex manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences environment, coupled with a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, navigate organizational transformation, and deliver impactful people solutions that drive business success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies, policies, and programs that align with Lonza AG's overall business strategy, values, and objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, learning and development, and succession planning.
• Lead and mentor the HR team, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring the team's continuous professional development.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all HR-related matters, providing expert guidance and support on organizational design, change management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Drive the development and execution of effective talent management strategies to identify, develop, and retain high-potential employees.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws, regulations, and industry standards across all operating regions.
• Manage HR budgets and resources effectively, optimizing HR processes and systems for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.
• Oversee the continuous improvement of HR analytics and reporting to provide data-driven insights for strategic decision-making.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within a global or complex organizational structure.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience within a GMP manufacturing environment; pharmaceutical manufacturing or CDMO experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful HR strategies that drive business results.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Deep understanding of HR best practices, labor laws, and regulations across various jurisdictions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in organizational design, change management, and talent acquisition strategies.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using HR metrics to drive decision-making.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is a significant advantage.
• Experience in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, or chemical industry is highly desirable.

We recognize that attracting, developing and retaining the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract the best candidates. As required by law in this State, the quoted salary range for this position is$211,000.00 - $320,000.00.We use broad salary ranges that reflect the competitive market for similar jobs, provide sufficient opportunity for growth as you gain experience and expand responsibilities, while also allowing for differentiation on performance.

Based on the breadth of our ranges, most new hires will start at the company between the lower and the middle part of the applicable range. We tailor our offers within the range based on job-related factors, including organizational needs, internal equity, market data, geographic area and the selected candidate’s experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and/or communication skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process.This range is only inclusive of base salary, and base pay is just one component of Lonza’s total compensation package for employees. Full-time employees are eligible to receive a performance-related bonus, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.

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. Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reference: R79835

You will feel at home at Lonza if you:

• Take ownership, step forward, and enjoy meaningful responsibility
• Love solving problems and thrive in a complex, fast-moving environment
• Are curious, always looking to learn and improve
• Work collaboratively, contributing to something bigger than yourself
• Are motivated to make a difference through work that impacts customers and their patients

Why Lonza:

We are a place of unique opportunity, where your ideas, expertise and ambition can make a real difference. Here, will have the freedom to grow, the support to succeed and the chance to contribute to work that matters.

We are the makers of the medicines of tomorrow.