Director, Engineering

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.

Take the helm of a world-class team in a collaborative, innovative environment at Lonza. Your expertise is crucial to upholding excellence in life sciences. As Director of Engineering, guide our initiatives and ensure flawless facilities and processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all engineering, facilities, maintenance, and automation functions across the site, ensuring alignment with business objectives and global corporate standards.
• Ensure the reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of GMP and non-GMP facilities, utilities, process equipment, and analytical instrumentation through robust asset management and maintenance strategies.
• Oversee the governance, performance, and lifecycle of site automation systems, building management systems (BMS), and operational technology (OT).
• Own and manage departmental budgets, vendor relationships, and cost performance, ensuring delivery of key operational KPIs related to downtime, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Serve as the site’s senior engineering leader in regulatory inspections, audits, and corporate reviews, ensuring full compliance with GMP, FDA, EMA, EHS, and internal quality standards.
• Lead the development and execution of long-term strategic plans, including the Site Master Plan, Digital Roadmap, and Asset Lifecycle Strategy, to support site growth and modernization.
• Direct the planning and execution of large-scale capital projects (CAPEX), ensuring alignment with site priorities, regulatory requirements, and financial targets.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by implementing strategies to reduce maintenance downtime, increase equipment reliability, and expand operational capacity.
• Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts; ensure effective succession planning and leadership development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence across the department and with cross-functional partners.
• Represent the department and site in executive-level forums, delivering clear, data-driven updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field required; Master’s degree or MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in engineering, facilities, and maintenance within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or biotech environment, including oversight of capital projects and site infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and develop high-performing leaders and subject matter experts.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex operations, delivering on KPIs, and driving cost-effective performance across engineering and maintenance functions.
• Strong strategic planning capabilities, including experience developing and executing site master plans, digital roadmaps, and asset lifecycle strategies.
• Understanding of automation systems, operational technology (OT), and digital integration in a manufacturing environment.
• Executive presence with excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills—able to influence across all levels of the organization and represent the site in global and corporate forums.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing departmental budgets, vendor contracts, and capital investments.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, inspection readiness, and GMP standards, with experience supporting audits and regulatory interactions.
• Track record of building a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other structured improvement methodologies.

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.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.