Lonza
Operations Engineering Lead
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.
The role:Lonza is launching a state-of-the-art facility in Reading, UK—Project Falcon—and we’re looking for an experienced Engineering Lead to take the helm of all engineering functions. This pivotal role will oversee Maintenance, Facilities, Utilities, and Reliability, driving the successful establishment and start-up of the new site.
Reporting directly to the Operations Leader, you’ll serve as the key business representative in the design, review, and approval of facility utility systems. You’ll lead the development of service and maintenance strategies, create operating manuals, and build technician training programs. You’ll also challenge existing engineering standards, manage asset transitions between facilities, and deliver a robust operational readiness plan for the engineering function.
Essential experience: Designing utility systems—HVAC, process water, clean gases—for pharma, biopharma, or medical device manufacturing environments.
Key responsibilities:Act as the primary interface between engineering end-users and the project team, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.
Provide essential end-user input and consultation across all project phases—from design through operational deployment.
Take charge of developing and implementing strategies for Maintenance, Reliability, and Utilities, following standard processes.
Successfully implement the Business Readiness Programme within the project, ensuring operational preparedness at debut.
Develop, implement, and coordinate all operational documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Conduct and contribute to safety, process, and technical risk assessments to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
Drive alignment and engagement of the engineering team with the Business Readiness and Organisational Efficiency programmes.
Partner with the HR team to support the engineering-related elements of the Change Management Programme.
An engineering degree or equivalent experience.
Experience in design and start-up of utility systems (HVAC, process water, clean gases) for pharma/biopharma/medical device manufacturing facilities.
Experience of operating maintenance functions within a pharma/biopharma/medical device manufacturing environment.
Proven track record of leading multiple complex initiatives simultaneously to successful completion as a change leader within Engineering.
Experience building and managing diverse teams to improve global competitiveness and fuel innovation.
Proven track record of planning and delivering projects and programmes to agreed timescales and being results-focused
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.