Global Head of Operational Excellence & Transformation, CGT

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences, operating across three continents. While our work is grounded in science, our success is driven by talented people collaborating to develop innovative solutions that help businesses bring therapies to patients. In return, we empower our employees to take ownership of their careers—encouraging ideas, both big and small, that make a meaningful impact on the world.

Our Specialized Modalities (SPM) platform is at the forefront of emerging technologies, spanning cell and gene therapy (CGT), microbial systems, and mRNA. We have supported over 450 process development projects, with a proven track record of translating cutting-edge science into scalable, advanced manufacturing solutions—enabled by modern, purpose-built facilities.

The Global Head of Operational Excellence & Transformation is responsible for leading operational excellence, transformation, and capability-building initiatives across the global Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) network. This role ensures reliable operations, accelerates productivity improvements, advances digital transformation, and establishes training programs that enable sustainable performance, growth, and innovation.

By embedding best practices and harmonized operating approaches across all sites, this leader will drive operational reliability, flexibility, efficiency, and scalability while supporting the organization's strategic growth objectives and long-term competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global CGT transformation strategy, including governance, prioritization, and long-term roadmap development.

• Lead Operational Excellence, Digitalization, Training, and Productivity Improvement initiatives across the global manufacturing network.

• Drive continuous improvement, productivity, cost optimization, and operational performance through Lean, Six Sigma, and other best-practice methodologies.

• Champion digital transformation by implementing advanced technologies, automation, and data-driven solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and flexibility.

• Establish and oversee global training and capability-building programs to ensure workforce readiness and standardized competency development.

• Identify, prioritize, and deliver high-impact strategic initiatives using robust project management and LBMS methodologies to achieve sustainable business outcomes.

• Drive manufacturing innovation and adoption of emerging technologies and industry best practices to enhance scalability and competitiveness.

• Lead, develop, and support global and site-based Operational Excellence, Transformation, Training, and Project Management teams.

• Establish governance frameworks that promote harmonization, standardization, and consistent execution across all CGT sites.

• Build strong partnerships with Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, EHS, Supply Chain, and Group Operations to ensure alignment and compliance.

• Monitor, measure, and communicate the performance and business impact of transformation initiatives through KPIs, reporting, and governance reviews.

• Serve as a key change leader, fostering a culture of operational excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the global network.

Key Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Technology, Business, Operations Management, or a related field required; advanced degree (MBA, Master's, or equivalent) preferred.

• Significant leadership experience within biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

• Proven success leading global Operational Excellence, productivity, and transformation programs across multi-site manufacturing networks.

• Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, process optimization, and operational performance management.

• Strong knowledge of digital transformation, automation technologies, manufacturing systems, and data-driven decision-making.

• Experience developing and implementing global training, capability-building, and workforce development programs.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives that deliver measurable business value and sustainable results.

• Strong understanding of GMP requirements, regulatory expectations, and quality systems within regulated manufacturing environments.

• Strategic and global leader with strong business acumen, capable of translating enterprise strategy into actionable plans and driving organizational change.

• Recognized people leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of collaboration, agility, accountability, customer focus, integrity, and results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within Cell & Gene Therapy, biologics, advanced therapeutics, or highly regulated manufacturing environments.

• Expertise in network-level operational excellence deployment.

• Familiarity with Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, advanced analytics, and automation technologies.

• Experience leading large-scale global transformation programs and organizational change initiatives.

• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management, or related disciplines preferred.

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.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.