Warehouse 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 Warehouse Manager will oversee the overall operation of the Distribution Department, including Receiving, Warehousing, Shipping, Traffic, and Inventory Control. This role ensures all vendor receipts and internal/external customer orders are processed accurately and on time to meet customer requirements while aligning with company goals and profitability objectives. The Warehouse Manager supports all businesses and departments at the Walkersville site and manages departmental operations through lower-level supervisors and leads. This position is onsite at our Walkersville, MD facility, five days a week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operations of the Distribution Department through supervision of lower-level managers and supervisors.

• Ensure all warehouse activities—including inbound receipts, customer returns, internal production support, and outbound shipments—are completed accurately, on time, and in compliance with GMP requirements.

• Act as the primary liaison with freight carriers, freight forwarders, and internal operations to ensure efficient communication and compliance during customer and regulatory audits.

• Lead, train, motivate, and evaluate team members to ensure operational excellence, employee engagement, and continued professional development; implement performance and disciplinary actions, as necessary.

• Oversee scheduling, planning, and execution of departmental meetings, projects, and training programs.

• Investigate and resolve operational issues, deviations, and CAPAs in a timely manner; identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Prepare monthly management and budget reports, capital requests (CARs), and other documentation to support business goals and site profitability.

• Maintain warehouse equipment and facilities in safe and efficient working condition; propose or justify new equipment as needed.

• Identify, initiate, and support process improvements and LEAN initiatives that drive efficiency and enhance performance.

• Operate within the annual departmental budget, including scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.

• Ensure compliance with all transportation documentation and regulatory trade requirements for customer shipments.

• Author and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), forms, and related documentation to maintain regulatory compliance.

• Complete required Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and job-related equipment training and promote a culture of safety within the team.

• Safely operate material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, forklifts, and order pickers.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in warehouse, logistics, or distribution management, preferably within a regulated manufacturing or biopharmaceutical environment.

• Proven leadership experience managing teams of 10+ employees, with demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and motivate high-performing teams.

• Strong understanding of end-to-end logistics processes, including inventory management, shipping/receiving, and production support.

• Working knowledge of LEAN principles and continuous improvement methodologies; ability to identify and implement process efficiencies.

• Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and regulatory compliance requirements preferred.

• Proficient in ERP/WMS systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and Microsoft Office applications.

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and levels of the organization.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

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.