Lonza
Associate Director QA - Growth Project 80-100%
The actual location of this job is in Stein, AG, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.
Be part of a dynamic, fast-paced project environment where no two days are the same—this is a unique opportunity to help build multiple new commercial production lines and shape the future of manufacturing from the ground up. We are looking for a confident and collaborative leader with QA Operations experience in pharma manufacturing, strong stakeholder management skills, and an assertive mindset; experience in aseptic fill & finish is a plus. Check out Your Career in Drug Product Services at Lonza!
This role is primarily based on site. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards. We offer flexibility to work remotely for no more than 20% of your time. Requests are considered on a case‑by‑case basis, in line with business needs.
What you will get:
An agile career and a dynamic work culture.
An inclusive and ethical workplace.
Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect numerous lifestyle, family, and leisure benefits.
The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits
What you will do:
Lead, develop and grow a team of QA Experts. Create and lead the overall Quality strategy
Partner with Senior Project Directors and Senior Project Leadership Team to ensure alignment of Manufacturing and support functions in executing strategy
Act as Lead SME for significant quality / GMP issues
Develop, direct and maintain the local Quality System. Contribute to the development and maintenance of global quality systems in line with Lonza Corporate requirements & standards as well as current regulatory requirements meeting Swissmedic, US FDA and European requirements
Perform independent review and approval of project documents. Take part in investigations, troubleshooting, audits and inspections
Identify opportunities for optimization of operational procedures in order to improve quality and efficiency within area of responsibility
Implement a learning culture and vertical/horizontal knowledge management
What we are looking for:
You have current or previous direct-line leadership experience
You have the agility, assertiveness and communication skills needed to excel in this highly dynamic project phase
Eligible to work as a Qualified Person/FvP in Switzerland or EU as well as extensive work experience in a senior QA role in the GMP controlled pharmaceutical manufacturing environment (e.g. QA Operations), preferably experience in aseptic fill&finish processes
Excellent working knowledge of current ICH, PIC/S, EU and US regulatory requirements and their implementation
Experience in managing customer audits and inspections such as Swissmedic, USFDA, EMA, MHRA Audits
University degree in Life Science (Pharmacy, Biology or similar field)
Fluent English and at least basic knowledge of German (plus the willingness to improve your German skills fast in case it is not fluent yet)
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 value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 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.