Operational Readiness Director

About Lonza

Lonza is a global leader in life sciences, operating across three continents. Our greatest solution is talented individuals working collaboratively to develop life-changing ideas and products. In return, we empower our employees to shape their careers and make meaningful contributions to the world.

In Portsmouth, NH, Lonza is building a large-scale dedicated facility for allogeneic product manufacturing. The Operational Readiness Director will be instrumental during the site start-up, leading cross-functional planning, execution, and alignment efforts to prepare the facility for GMP manufacturing, process validation runs, and commercial production.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Planning & Coordination:

  • Develop and integrate operational readiness plans for multiple workstreams (Manufacturing, Engineering, Process Development, Supply Chain, QA/QC, etc.).
  • Align readiness plans with construction, commissioning, and qualification schedules.

• Execution & Monitoring:

  • Actively facilitate workstream execution and resolve challenges to maintain project timelines.
  • Oversee resource planning, scheduling, and risk management.

• Leadership & Communication:

  • Lead cross-functional workshops to address project alignment, challenges, and gaps.
  • Drive a standardized communication and reporting strategy for progress tracking and risk mitigation.
  • Serve as the primary communication link between operational layers and senior management.

• Customer & Stakeholder Management:

  • Maintain positive relationships with internal departments, external stakeholders, and partners.
  • Balance customer needs with business objectives to optimize outcomes.

• Team Development:

  • Build, manage, and mentor diverse teams to enhance innovation and competitiveness.
  • Promote talent and performance development through measurable actions and coaching.

• Problem Solving & Strategic Guidance:

  • Proactively address challenges and implement pragmatic solutions.
  • Provide strategic guidance to optimize project delivery and reduce risk.

Key Skills & Qualifications

• Leadership & Collaboration:

  • Proven leadership experience, setting clear expectations and measuring performance.
  • Ability to build partnerships and foster collaboration across all organizational levels.

• Strategic Planning:

  • Translate strategic objectives into practical, executable plans.
  • Expertise in managing large-scale projects within matrix organizations.

• Communication & Influence:

  • Effective communicator with strong negotiation skills.
  • Ability to manage interactions proactively to drive customer satisfaction.

• Technical Knowledge:

  • Strong understanding of regulatory requirements for Biologics or Cell and Gene products.
  • Familiarity with operational excellence methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
  • Awareness of current industry trends and technological advancements.

• Problem Solving & Analytics:

  • Data-driven decision-making with strong analytical and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in compliance challenges and remediation strategies.
• Background in managing cross-functional projects in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Advanced knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and GMP manufacturing.

Why Join Lonza?

At Lonza, we embrace creativity and collaboration to solve complex problems and deliver innovative solutions in life sciences. Join us in a role where you’ll make a meaningful difference, supporting the development of life-saving therapies while shaping your own career.