Director – R&D PS&T Technology Platform

Director – R&D for Process Science & Technology

Location: Slough

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five 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.

Are you prepared to lead with innovation and make a meaningful impact on the future of life sciences? Lonza AG is seeking a Director – R&D for Process Science & Technology to join our dynamic team in the UK. This role is pivotal in steering our cell culture and purification teams, driving near-term innovations while crafting the long-range plans for our Technology Platform. You will play a crucial role in ensuring Lonza remains a market leader through flawless project execution and outstanding leadership.

• Develop and implement plans to ensure timely delivery on near-term R&D project outcomes, coordinating implementation with Operations for efficient technology transfer.

• Manage and lead a budget of approximately 15 million CHF and coordinate around 40 full-time employees (FTEs).

• Ensure effective reporting to governance bodies and planning tools, while developing strategic long-range R&D plans, including establishing external collaborations.

• Assist with portfolio management for R&D to improve profitability and ensure consistent delivery on business targets.

• Capture and secure valuable new intellectual property from R&D projects, converting it into outstanding beneficial offerings for long-term competitiveness and growth.

• Engage routinely with senior management on key initiatives to establish technology roadmaps and secure long-term business opportunities for all Bio R&D areas.

• Drive external thought leadership and foster an innovation culture within Lonza.

• Provide leadership within Bio R&D, establishing effective communication channels and aligning with the Bio R&D leadership team.

• Maintain high-level market awareness and assess market intelligence data to support long-term growth strategy execution, bringing to bear external opportunities to complement internal R&D.

• Ensure controls are in place to monitor progress and success effectively.

• Lead scientific groups through personal development plans, proactive performance management, mentoring, and coaching, encouraging a culture of curiosity, creativity, and innovation.

• PhD or equivalent experience in business or a Life Sciences field, with a preferred study area in Biology, Chemistry, or related Life Sciences.

• At least 8 years of experience leading R&D at a senior leadership level, with a minimum of 10 years in R&D or production and people management.

• Demonstrated innovative skills and experience leading complex technology projects.

• Broad knowledge of technology needs and the customer base.

• General commercial understanding of corporate and operational business issues.

• Ability to work in a complex and fast-paced matrix environment.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills, capable of managing multiple points of view and building partnerships.

• Ability to bring divergent personalities together to build a team that delivers results.

• Ability to manage complexity, quickly analyze data, formulate hypotheses, and make recommendations.

• Commercially savvy with a good market understanding and the ability to foresee patterns and trends.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and listening skills.

• Ability to get results and lead by influence within a matrix organizational environment.

• No visa sponsorship available.

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.