Director Operational Excellence & PMO – Microbial Operations

The actual location of this job is in Visp, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

This role is based at our Visp manufacturing site and plays a critical role in driving operational excellence and strategic project delivery across the Microbial Operations network, directly impacting performance, innovation, and scalability.

This role is primarily based on site. Working together in person supports close, real-time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get

• An agile career and dynamic working culture
• An inclusive and ethical workplace
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance
• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location
• The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you will do

• Define and execute the Operational Excellence strategy across Microbial Operations to drive performance and competitiveness
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma, delivering measurable business impact across assets
• Establish and run a robust PMO framework, ensuring strong governance, prioritization, and execution of strategic initiatives
• Oversee the full project portfolio, ensuring clarity of scope, milestones, risks, resources, and benefits realization
• Partner with senior leadership to enable alignment, decision-making, and execution of cross-functional priorities
• Drive governance and planning processes including OE roadmaps, business reviews, and business continuity planning
• Build organizational capability by coaching leaders and embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability

What we are looking for

• Significant experience in manufacturing operations, operational excellence, or project/program management in a complex environment
• Strong expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies (Black Belt certification preferred)
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without formal authority
• Excellent project portfolio management and governance capabilities
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution mindset
• Advanced communication and stakeholder management skills across senior leadership levels
• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, life sciences); postgraduate qualification preferred

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.