Head of Data, Digital and AI

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. 

The Head of Data, Digital & AI is accountable for defining and executing Lonza's enterprise-wide Data, Digital & AI strategy. This role enables business growth, operational excellence, and innovation through scalable data platforms, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital capabilities.

As a member of the IT Leadership Team, the role drives the adoption of data-driven decision making, establishes enterprise governance and operating models, and ensures digital, data, and AI investments deliver measurable business value across a highly regulated life sciences environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the enterprise Data, Digital & AI strategy, aligning priorities, investments, and capabilities with long-term business objectives.

• Drive the development and adoption of enterprise data, AI, automation, and digital solutions that improve decision-making, productivity, and business performance.

• Establish and lead the Digital & Data Office, driving governance, standards, data quality, literacy, and enterprise-wide adoption.

• Lead the development of scalable cloud, data, and AI platforms, ensuring security, compliance, interoperability, and operational excellence.

• Drive the industrialization of AI through robust governance, lifecycle management, responsible AI practices, and measurable value realization.

• Lead digital transformation and intelligent automation initiatives, delivering sustainable improvements across business and operational processes.

• Establish a product and platform operating model that enables strong collaboration between business and technology teams to deliver measurable outcomes.

• Build and develop a high-performing global organization while managing strategic partnerships and advising senior leadership on emerging data, digital, and AI opportunities.

Key Requirements

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline; MBA or PhD preferred.

• Significant leadership experience (+15 years) in Data, Digital, AI, Analytics, or Technology roles within complex global organizations.

• Proven track record of defining and delivering enterprise-wide data, AI, digital, and transformation strategies.

• Strong experience building and scaling cloud, data, analytics, and AI platforms that deliver measurable business value.

• Demonstrated expertise in data governance, enterprise architecture, operating model transformation, and digital capability development.

• Experience leading large-scale digital transformation, automation, and AI initiatives within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, CDMO, or other regulated environments.

• Strong understanding of AI governance, MLOps, data management, compliance, and quality requirements within regulated industries.

• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and drive change across global matrix organizations.

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

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.