Purchasing Manager

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 Purchasing Manager is responsible for ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of direct materials that support production schedules, customer service levels, and inventory targets across the Walkersville, MD and RTP sites. This position is onsite at our Walkersville, MD facility, five days a week, and plays a key leadership role in supporting manufacturing operations through strong supplier management, efficient procurement processes, and effective team oversight. Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, the Purchasing Manager collaborates closely with Strategic Procurement, Category Procurement, and internal cross-functional partners to ensure uninterrupted supply, resolve supplier issues, and maintain alignment with operational and business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the site’s team of Operational Buyers, ensuring timely and accurate purchasing activities in alignment with production requirements and company standards.

• Oversee the fulfillment of the Material Requirements Plan (MRP) and maintain target inventory levels, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with SOPs.

• Identify and mitigate supply risks related to key raw materials, implementing proactive solutions to prevent disruptions.

• Prioritize and organize team activities to ensure efficient execution of document changes, new material qualifications, and issue resolution.

• Foster effective collaboration across Production Planning, MRP Planning, Order Fulfillment, and other key stakeholders to ensure smooth supply chain operations.

• Develop, implement, and monitor Purchasing KPIs (e.g., Purchase Price Variance, standard costs, transfer prices) to drive performance and cost control.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring consistent communication, performance management, and issue escalation when needed.

• Support alternative sourcing initiatives and qualification of new materials to enhance supply chain resilience.

• Ensure supplier complaints, CAPAs, and deviations are managed promptly, effectively, and in compliance with Lonza’s quality standards.

• Oversee intercompany purchase orders from placement through invoice completion, ensuring accuracy and timely follow-up by the operational buying team.

• Promote adherence to relevant ISO 9001 and EHS standards and procedures.

• Maintain and review development plans for each team member, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth.

• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to support business needs.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.

• Positive attitude, flexibility, and eagerness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a team, including navigating difficult conversations effectively.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build cross-functional relationships.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain a broad business perspective.

• Hands-on experience using SAP in a purchasing, procurement, or supply chain function (required).

• Working knowledge of general business processes and financial controls.

• Experience working in a cGMP environment preferred (biotechnology experience a plus).

• APICS, CPM, or similar certification preferred.

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.

The full-time base annual salary for this onsite position is expected to range between $93,000.00 and $159,000.00. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and job-related knowledge. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including performance-related bonus, medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more. 

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.