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 – Automation Lead EMEA (m/f/d) is responsible for providing strategic and technical leadership to successfully deliver large scale Capital projects in the European region excluding Visp Switzerland.  Ensuring all projects are adequately staffed and directed to achieve adherence to schedule, budgets, standards and practices.  Serve as a regional and global source of knowledge and solutions. 

Key responsibilities:
 

• Responsible for providing technical leadership and ensuring adequate direct support in the execution and delivery of Automation Capital projects within Lonza.

• Support regional local Automation & MES teams to execute the automation aspects of projects on time, in scope and on budget

• Lead and coordinate within cross functional teams consisting of Internal Lonza customers such as Capital Engineering Project Management, Site Operations, Validation, and Quality Assurance to properly identify design needs of multiple simultaneous projects of varying size.

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

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

• Create, share and enforce global strategy for the standardization of systems for Automation & MES throughout Lonza in collaboration with GE Platforms

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

• Coordinate 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 process controls systems including PCS (DeltaV), PLC’s, EBR and MES systems

• 6 years of experience in project organization, management and coordination associated with the execution of capital projects in an industrial environment

• 6 years of practical experience in the management and coordination of engineering & construction management consultants, equipment vendors and contractors.

• Experience with integrations of Automation systems to higher level Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, preferably Syncade and SAP respectively.

• English speaking, knowledge of German and other European languages are of advantage

• Demonstrates 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.