Executive Director, Head of Quality Biologics, Visp
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.
Lonza is searching for an experienced Executive Director – Head of Quality Biologics to join our team in Visp, Switzerland. Leading a dedicated team of over 800 professionals, you will spearhead the continual enhancement of our quality processes. As a key influencer, you will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, including health authorities, customers, and our operations department. You are responsible for leading the Biologics Quality organization encompassing Mammalian, Bioconjugates, Microbial, and mRNA, ensuring excellence in all QA and QC aspects.
Key responsibilities:
Develop and execute a robust Quality strategy for Biologics at the Visp site, aligning closely with Lonza's Global Quality Strategy and collaborating with the Head of Biologics Operations and other stakeholders.
Lead the Biologics Quality organization encompassing Mammalian, Bioconjugates, Microbial, and mRNA, ensuring excellence in all QA and QC aspects. Emphasize customer-centricity, reliable delivery, lean principles, and continual improvement while fostering a cohesive team environment.
Provide vigilant Quality oversight, implementing effective governance systems based on risk management principles to maintain continuous inspection readiness and ensure regulatory compliance.
Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to continuous improvement throughout all Quality initiatives.
Offer superior leadership to nurture and develop the capabilities of team members, working closely with Operations to provide career advancement opportunities.
Deploy and maintain a comprehensive Quality Management System for Biologics in Visp, focusing particularly on facilitating new product introductions and commercialization in accordance with Lonza's Global Quality Management System.
Cultivate superior customer relationships through transparent communication, collaboration, and timely issue resolution in both internal and external settings.
Act as a key representative of Quality within the Biologics Business Units at the Visp Site and during customer meetings, advocating for Quality standards and protocols.
Develop, implement, and monitor Quality programs, policies, and procedures to ensure strict compliance with GMP standards, corporate policies, and regulatory body regulations and guidelines including Swissmedic, FDA, EMA, and others.
Design active training and development plans for Quality staff, aiming to enhance overall competence and professionalism within the team.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with customers, internal stakeholders, and regulatory authorities, ensuring open channels of communication and collaboration.
Actively participate as a member of both the site Quality Leadership team and the Global Biologics Quality Leadership team, contributing expertise and insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Key requirements:
MSc or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry or similar subject
Demonstrated expertise in GMP-controlled Biologics manufacturing, with a strong background in both Operations and Quality
Extensive leadership experience across several hierarchical levels; we are looking for a supportive leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, who truly sees Quality as a partner to Operations
Solid proven track record as a leader, developing others and encouraging growth within the function
Fluency in English is mandatory and fluency in German is a big advantage
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.
