Associate Director, Manufacturing

Associate Director, Manufacturing

Location: This position is based at our Walkersville, MD site and is a full-time role with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Associate Director, Manufacturing is responsible for supporting the successful implementation and operational start-up of new manufacturing capabilities driven by capital investments. This role ensures that production teams, processes, and equipment are fully prepared for GMP-compliant operations, enabling efficient, safe, and high-quality manufacturing that aligns with both client expectations and regulatory requirements.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this on-site position is expected to range between $120,000 to $204,000. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.

• 401(k) matching plan.

• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Employee assistance programs.

• Paid time off (PTO).

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do:
 

Operational Leadership & Team Management

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations for assigned end-to-end (E2E) projects, overseeing supervisors, specialists, and production staff.

• Ensure team readiness, resource planning, and performance management in alignment with project timelines and client expectations.

• Support the E2E Lead and Head of Manufacturing in executing strategic initiatives and act as a deputy for operational matters in their absence.

Project Execution & Operational Readiness

• Drive operational readiness for new manufacturing programs, including facility preparation, equipment qualification, and documentation development.

• Partner with cross-functional teams (QA, MSAT, Engineering, etc.) to ensure seamless project execution from tech transfer through batch release.

• Contribute to capital project planning and facility design to ensure operational feasibility and adherence to GMP requirements.

Client Engagement & Tech Transfer

• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for clients throughout onboarding, tech transfer, and routine execution phases.

• Ensure manufacturing processes align with client expectations and regulatory standards.

• Support the Director in high-level client discussions and strategic planning activities.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure execution of GMP-compliant manufacturing operations, including deviation management, CAPA implementation, and audit readiness.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies.

• Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs), recommending and implementing corrective actions as needed.

What we are looking for:

• A strong people leader with proven experience managing manufacturing teams in a GMP-regulated environment, capable of guiding staff, driving performance, and fostering a culture of quality and operational excellence.

• A bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Engineering, along with 7+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or CDMO manufacturing, demonstrating a deep understanding of end-to-end operations and regulatory expectations.

• Extensive experience in tech transfer, capital project execution, and client-facing interactions, with the ability to translate complex requirements into clear operational plans and ensure alignment across cross-functional teams.

• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies, with a track record of applying these principles to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and support long-term operational growth.

• The ability to combine strategic thinking with practical, hands-on execution, effectively collaborating across functions and communicating clearly with internal stakeholders and external clients.

• A demonstrated commitment to quality, compliance, problem-solving, and sound decision-making, especially in fast-paced, dynamic, and highly regulated environments.

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? Apply now.