Strategic Operations Associate I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Career development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Competitive benefits

Life-changing therapies

Job summary

Lonza in Portsmouth, NH, seeks a Strategic Operations Associate I to support manufacturing operations through projects and process improvements. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and MSAT to solve challenges and drive operational improvements in a biopharmaceutical setting.

The role follows a Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM schedule and offers opportunities to grow within a collaborative, ethical workplace with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Engineering, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• 0-4 years of experience in manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, quality, engineering, or related industry.
• Experience in GMP-regulated environments preferred.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and technical communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with SAP or similar business systems is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional projects focused on process improvements, operational readiness, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Coordinate project activities, track deliverables, and help ensure projects are completed on time.
• Develop technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality systems.
• Support manufacturing teams with process and equipment-related improvements.
• Investigate operational issues and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Assist with change control activities and complete project-related tasks.
• Track and report key performance indicators to support operational objectives.
• Support commissioning activities and small equipment implementation projects.
• Identify quality concerns and collaborate with stakeholders to drive resolution.
• Support CAPAs, investigations, technical transfers, and departmental readiness activities.
• Review and support the creation of manufacturing documents, work instructions, SOPs, and batch records.

Skills

Organizational skills

Planning

Time management

Problem-solving

Analytical abilities

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Engineering, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

United States, Portsmouth (New Hampshire)

Job Title: Strategic Operations Associate I

Location: Portsmouth, NH (On-site)

As a Strategic Operations Associate I, you will play an important role in supporting manufacturing operations through projects, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration. Working with teams across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and MSAT, you will help solve challenges, drive operational improvements, and build valuable experience in the biopharmaceutical industry while supporting the production of life-changing therapies.

This role follows a Monday-Friday day shift schedule from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

What you will get

• An agile career and dynamic working culture
• An inclusive and ethical workplace
• Compensation programs that recognize performance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Opportunities to grow and develop your career
• A collaborative and team-focused environment
• The opportunity to support the delivery of life-changing therapies

What you will do

• Support cross-functional projects focused on process improvements, operational readiness, and manufacturing efficiency
• Coordinate project activities, track deliverables, and help ensure projects are completed on time
• Develop technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality systems
• Support manufacturing teams with process and equipment-related improvements
• Investigate operational issues and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Assist with change control activities and complete project-related tasks
• Track and report key performance indicators to support operational objectives
• Support commissioning activities and small equipment implementation projects
• Identify quality concerns and collaborate with stakeholders to drive resolution
• Support CAPAs, investigations, technical transfers, and departmental readiness activities
• Review and support the creation of manufacturing documents, work instructions, SOPs, and batch records

What we are looking for

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Engineering, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred
• 0-4 years of experience in manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, quality, engineering, or a related industry
• Experience working in a GMP-regulated environment preferred
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Excellent written, verbal, and technical communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with SAP or similar business systems is a plus
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

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?