Director, MES Program Lead (m/f/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 Director, MES Program Lead (m/f/d) is a Senior level position with global responsibility to globalize, standardize and manage all Lonza’s MES (in responsibility of Global Operations): act view E2E view to assure correct 1st implementation and continues operation of MES. In addition push for innovations in area of responsibility, support regional leads in application of these standards. Drive vendor and integrator relationships to optimize outcome and quality of MES implementation. Algin standards with partner organizations, like Operations (Biologics, Small Molecules and CGT), IT, QA, procurement.

Key responsibilities:

• Creation, sharing and continuous improvement of MES usage across the Lonza network incl. procedures, software elements. Sponsor or execute smaller improvement projects and/or work in close collaboration with regional automation leads on overarching growth projects to implement MES.

• Owns vendor relationship and global software elements (like ERP interface)

• Drive innovation within MES to achieve improvements to plant operations / throughput / compliance

• Host network governance board and community of practice (COP) to share and drive alignment in responsibility area

• Lead, manage and support the development of global automation & MES team members

• Develop and maintain together with procurement organization strong relationships (master service agreements) with technology suppliers and third party contractors

• Orchestrate with other Lonza Centers of Excellence to employ best solutions for all projects.

Key requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree Required – candidate should have BS Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent experience.

• 10 years of experience with design and operation of API/Biopharmaceutical facilities, both manufacturing and support systems (cGMP manufacturing, pilot plant & laboratories).

• 8 years of experience with and technically strong in MES (Syncade or similar MES brands), some experience with process controls systems including PCS (DeltaV), SCADA/PLC’s. Preferable in more than one automation vendor.

• Experience with integrations of MES with Automation systems of level 1/2 (DCS and SCADA/PLC based automation systems) as well ERP, LIMS, IPC devices, eDMS. Preferable experience with PLM solutions.

• Fluent English – German of advantage

• Strong communication and teamwork skills, particularly in stressful situations.

• Ability to influence key/senior stakeholders.

• Understanding of how to get things done in different cultures.

• High energy levels with a passion for what you do.

• Organized and structured with good attention to detail.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills

• Ability to quickly adjust to a dynamic and fast paced environment

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.