Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three 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 Project Lead is responsible for planning, managing, and executing one or more growth investment projects through the full project lifecycle—delivering on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This role provides leadership to project teams, builds strong vendor and contractor relationships, and ensures compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements. It is an engineering-focused position with cross-functional interaction across validation, facilities, and operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead large-scale capital investment projects ($100M–$500M), overseeing all aspects of Project Realization: Capex Management, Process & Technology, and Qualification.
- Drive decision-making by challenging assumptions and leveraging team input.
- Serve as the primary point of accountability to the Steering Committee and senior leadership for CAPEX workstreams.
- Develop and execute comprehensive project plans across Engineering, Design, Construction, Commissioning, and Qualification phases.
- Manage project budgets, ensuring adherence and controlling changes effectively.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including internal procedures and health authority requirements.
- Coordinate and lead project teams to ensure efficient collaboration and execution.
- Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
- Communicate project status, progress, and issues to stakeholders and senior management.
- Secure internal and external resources to achieve project goals and manage day-to-day operations.
- Support Site Leadership Teams and Steering Committees.
- Develop internal talent and provide line management for core team(s).
- Interface with customer project teams and maintain strong vendor/contractor relationships.
- Manage project resources, including equipment, materials, and personnel.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Requirements
Experience
- 10+ years in project engineering and project management within chemical, biochemical, or pharmaceutical industries, with international exposure.
- CGMP experience required; automation migration project experience is a plus.
- Broad technical knowledge across engineering disciplines in pharmaceutical environments (utilities, process, automation, instrumentation, civil).
- Proven track record in cost control, scheduling, and delivering investment projects.
- Expertise in facility design for compliant, cost-effective plants.
- Familiarity with modern CQV approaches to accelerate time-to-production while maintaining compliance.
Knowledge
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).
- Strong understanding of CDMO industry operations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong influencing and relationship-building capabilities across all organizational levels.
- Proven leadership, mentoring, and coaching experience.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong problem-solving skills with both strategic and practical perspectives.
- Advanced project management expertise.
- Deep understanding of engineering and cGMP manufacturing for biopharmaceutical facilities.
The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $217,000.00 and $293,000.000.
Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and job-related knowledge. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including performance-related bonus, medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.
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.