Head of Quality - Small Molecules

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.

The Head of Quality - Small Molecules provides strategic and operational leadership and management for the Visp Quality Small Molecules organization with main focus on compliance, efficiency and customer satisfaction. As Visp Small Molecules currently increases capacity in particular in the area of highly active compounds, main priorities for the coming years will be to further grow and strengthen the Quality Small Molecules department by hiring and further developing talents. In parallel, the continuous improvement of processes as well as the realization of synergies will remain important to maintain competitive advantage. The Head of Quality works in partnership with the Business Division to create and maintain a competitive edge by manufacturing and supplying products of high quality and value, in a timely manner to customers.

Key responsibilities:

• Active member of the Visp Quality Site Leadership team & representative contact to the Global Quality Small Molecules Head

• Leading the Visp Small Molecules Quality team - hiring and developing top talent to create high performing teams and succession pipelining as well as the definition of active training and development plans for Quality staff with the objective of driving overall competence and professionalism of the Quality Visp function

• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to drive Quality programs and ensure maximum productivity. Ensure systems meet the needs of all internal and external constituencies with an emphasis on process, quality, productivity, cost as well as compliance topics that are specific to the site

• Serve as the point person with industry partners regarding product quality matters, customer satisfaction levels and regulatory authority interactions

• Oversee all partner and regulatory authority audits and inspections and corrective action programs in response thereto

• Ensure required QA/QC resources are available and effective

• Develop, implement and monitor Quality programs, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with GMP standards, corporate policies, and other regulatory body regulations and guidelines

Key requirements:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or similar

• Vast experience in a regulated pharmaceutical industry including manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control and/or drug regulatory affairs

• Outstanding and proven experience of leading larger teams with QA & QC responsibility

• Proven leadership skills and effective use of hard and soft skills in all aspects of management including conflict resolution, team building, decision making etc.

• A performance management mindset, setting high performance standards, leading by example and holding others accountable

• Strong organizational skills, ability to balance multiple priorities simultaneously

• Strong verbal and written communication skills (English and German)

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.