Head of Upstream Processing USP for Microbial Growth Project (f/m/d)

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 site in Visp is growing and for a new microbial mid-scale facility in Ibex™ Solutions, our unique biological manufacturing and development concept in Visp, Switzerland, we are currently looking for a Head Upstream Processing (USP). In this role, you will manage on day-to-day basis the operational start-up activities of our new facility in USP by leading multidisciplinary teams to ensure a timely start of commercial activities. You will manage interface between Engineering and Operational units to guarantee a smooth operational start-up from commissioning, IQ, OQ, PQ to commercial production.

Become part of this exciting opportunity and apply now!

Key responsibilities:

• Managing on day-to-day basis the operational start-up activities during execution of the investment project from commissioning and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) to start of commercial activities. Accountable for execution of post OQ phase activities covering e.g. water runs, recipe tests, media simulations, cleanroom & utility PQs, other unit specific PQs and Engineering batches.

• Leading multidisciplinary execution teams during the start-up phase.

• Supporting scheduling activities in close collaboration with the assigned scheduler, Ops leads and Capex Managers.

• Running status review meetings on daily basis with the team leads (Hoshin meetings). Defining new priorities, escalating resource gaps and defining further measures for solving planning and execution issues.

• Implementing tracking systems for monitoring of the progress of the start-up activities including also progress in generation of EBRs and other relevant GMP documents (SOPs, Qualification protocols, etc).

• Sustaining a culture for a successful, high performing team. Maintains a culture of empowerment and innovation, trust, high performance and change readiness.

• Ensures a good information exchange from the start-up team to upper management levels by regular team meetings and escalation of issues.

Key requirements:

• Master or Bachelor degree in Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines

• Significant experience in a leading position in Biopharma manufacturing of large molecules

• Recognized expertise and experience in Project Management, PMI or Green Belt will be an advantage

• Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate internally and externally at higher levels

• Very good understanding of business and financial processes

• Detail oriented with exceptional organizational skills and a structured and proactive working attitude

• Open-minded for new ideas with a highly collaborative and strong team oriented attitude

• Fluent in English, German a plus

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.