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.

Our team at Lonza AG in Visp, Switzerland is growing! Join us too!

The Director Continuous Improvement will drive the strategic implementation of operating excellence and deliver a corporate approach to continuous improvement at Lonza. This outstanding role offers the opportunity to lead and deploy problem-solving strategies to improve process and performance, while influencing business partners to drive top and bottom-line impact. Reporting to the Global Head of Operational Excellence, this role does not have any direct reports.

This position requires domestic and international travel to Lonza sites, with encouraged travel up to 25%. This is a hybrid role, necessitating three days a week onsite presence.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Lonza Business Management System by demonstrating lean tools, consulting skills, and organizational change processes. Take primary responsibility for implementing lean initiatives within manufacturing plants and their associated value streams.
• Facilitate extensive lean transformation activities across sites and functions, such as mini-Ts and Lean Labs.
• Challenge and support site and divisional management to develop a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Support and develop Lean Experts, Continuous Improvement Specialists, Supervisors, Operators, and Managers.
• Build long-term activity roadmaps and lean transformation projects for the business, including Kaizen and step-change projects. Develop a common/standard library of systems, tools, and visual factory concepts to build a unified OE look and feel in every business unit.
• Mentor leaders in servant leadership to support the roll-out of the system and lead efficiency improvement projects.
• Align business platform priorities with OE leads and assess major opportunities for efficiency improvement to optimize asset capacity or efficiency.
• Consolidate opportunities as a basis for execution prioritization.
• Govern and support ongoing projects, as well as develop and prepare multi-year execution plans to deliver balanced value across CDMO operations.

Key requirements and skills

• Prior experience in the pharmaceuticals industry is required. Experience in Biologics and Mammalian Cell operations is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. A Master’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred. A background in STEM or a related field is a plus.
• Several years of experience in Operational Excellence and Lean, with a strong preference for experience as a consultant in a recognized organization.
• Lean Six Sigma Black or Green Belt is preferred.
• Ability to travel 30%-50%, both internationally and domestically.
• Maturity, confidence, and a high degree of emotional intelligence with the ability to influence others while maintaining a low ego.
• Advanced knowledge and proven record in Project Management, optimally handling complex transformations, integrations, and organisational change.
• Experience in crafting training, workshops, and groundbreaking changes for Operational Excellence and Lean improvements.
• Proven track record to develop and coordinate cross-functional and critical initiatives.
• Leadership experience of global teams with a technical focus is preferred.
• Agile and proactive relationship management in a multi-matrix organization.
• Proficient in written and spoken English. Ability to speak other languages and excellent communication skills are a plus.

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.