Head Strategic Projects Small Molecules Operations

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five 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.

In this role you will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and enhancing divisional performance within Small Molecules (SM) Operations. You will provide strategic input and direct support to the executive team, ensuring alignment with divisional goals and objectives. You will lead cross-divisional projects, implement best practices, and foster a culture of Operational Excellence across SM Operations. Together with the Global Head of Operations SM you will drive the execution of the operational strategy ensuring execution plans at all sites and strong governance across the network.

The key success factor of this Strategic PMO role will be to ensure strong governance, faster execution whilst delivering positive and measurable business benefits in all strategic initiatives across the SM network.

Key responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Support:

- Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic plans.
- Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to inform decision-making.
- Support strategic initiatives by aligning operational activities with business objectives.

Process Improvement:

- Identify, analyse, and improve existing business processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive continuous improvement?
- Lead and facilitate workshops, kaizen events, and other improvement activities

Project Management:

- Oversee and manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
- Develop project plans, define project milestones, and track progress against goals

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness.
- Prepare and present regular reports on operational performance to the executive team.
- Identify trends and areas for improvement based on performance data.

Change Management:

- Lead change management efforts to ensure successful implementation of new processes and initiatives.
- Engage and communicate with stakeholders at all levels to drive adoption and sustain improvements.
- Provide training and development to build operational excellence capabilities within SM.

Collaboration and Leadership:

- Work closely with Sub-division heads and SM teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Mentor and coach team members on Operational Excellence principles and practices.
- Act as a change agent and champion for operational excellence across Small Molecules.

Key requirements:

- Master’s degree, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in Operational Excellence, process improvement, or a related role, with proven track record of leading and implementing successful improvement initiatives..
- Strong understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies. Certification in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt), or other relevant credentials is a plus.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to drive decisions.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience in supporting executive leadership and providing strategic input.

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.