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 Associate Director (m/f/d) Global Automation and MES is responsible for design, development and rollout of Automation and MES in the execution and delivery of large Capital projects within Lonza, including adherence to scope, schedule and budgets, OT guidelines, engineering design and commissioning of new facilities.

Key responsibilities:

• Responsible for delivery of Automation and MES scope under CAPEX projects involving scope, cost and schedule management.

• Design, development and rollout of Automation and MES standards that maximize the value from leveraging the use of existing Lonza best practice.

• General management and oversight to the software documentation effort as well as assist with development of project schedule and then assure that software development, hardware purchase and install, and validation efforts adhere to plan.

• Direct and manage activities of technical staff on design, software configuration and coding, DCS or SCADA/PLC hardware specification as well as specification and selection of instrumentation and control panel design.

• Provide routine project management updates and reports in accordance with Lonza procedures.

• Provide support through the whole project development lifecycle including: Conceptual Design, Basic Design, Detailed Design, Installation, Commissioning and Qualification and Handover to Operations.

• Responsible for Automation and MES related documentation throughout the project lifecycle and provide technical input in support of equipment procurement, bid package preparation, bid evaluation, and vendor selection.

• Perform project close-out activities in accordance with Lonza processes and procedures.

• Keep abreast of technical developments that may have application in the Pharma / Biotech industry and promote the use of those that provide strategic business benefits.

Key requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree Required – candidate should have BS in a relevant Engineering Discipline, or equivalent experience.

• 8 years of experience with design and operation of Biopharmaceutical facilities, both manufacturing and support systems (cGMP manufacturing, pilot plant & laboratories).

• 8 years of experience with control systems (DCS, PLC, SCADA and Loop controllers).

• 6 years experience with MES.

• 6 years of experience in project management and coordination associated with the execution of capital projects in an industrial environment.

• 6 years of practical experience in the management and coordination of engineering & construction management consultants, equipment vendors and contractors.

• Experience with design and operation of large scale Process Control Systems (PCS) preferably the Emerson DeltaV platform.

• Experience with PLC and SCADA based systems, preferably Siemens based platforms.

• Experience with historians, preferably Aveva Pi (formerly OSISoft PI).

• Experience with design and operation of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), preferably Emerson Syncade.

• Experience with MES integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, preferably SAP.

• Experience of system design for DCS/PCS and MES (i.e. OT design for Automation and MES).

• Candidate must have strong communication and project management skills to coordinate and manage the activities of internal Lonza staff, consultants, vendors and contractors to meet scope, schedule, budget, safety and quality requirements of assigned Capital projects.

• Team player with exceptional customer service skills, integrity and ability to interact with all levels of personnel. Requires strong attention to detail and analytical skills as well as problem analysis and resolution.

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.