Site HR Leader, Life Sciences & Growth

Lonza; Vacaville (CA); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

401k plan

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

Lonza in Vacaville, California, seeks a strategic Head of Human Resources to lead the full HR function for our site. You will advise senior leaders, shape talent strategies, and drive a high-performance culture that aligns with Lonza’s long-term objectives.

The role requires deep HR leadership in GMP manufacturing or life sciences, with the ability to influence across a global organization and deliver impactful people solutions. A Master's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or 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.

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.

Skills

HR leadership

Talent acquisition

Change management

Labor laws

Communication

Negotiation

Organizational design

HR metrics

English fluency

Life sciences industry knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Lonza in Vacaville, California, seeks a strategic Head of Human Resources to lead the full HR function for our site. You will advise senior leaders, shape talent strategies, and drive a high-performance culture that aligns with Lonza’s long-term objectives.

The role requires deep HR leadership in GMP manufacturing or life sciences, with the ability to influence across a global organization and deliver impactful people solutions. A Master's degree is preferred.