Digital Lead / Associate Director, Global MSAT (Cell & Gene Therapy)

Digital Lead/Associate Director, Global MSAT (Cell & Gene Therapy)

Location: On-site, Portsmouth, NH. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families.

The Digital Lead for Specialized Modalities (SPM) Operations is accountable for driving the operational execution of the digital transformation roadmap across all SPM sites. The role enables and coordinates cross‑functional collaboration to ensure that digital initiatives are harmonized, compliant, and aligned with the strategic priorities of the SPM network. The Digital Lead sets digital and data standards, accelerates the adoption of digital and AI‑enabled solutions, champions innovation in data management and MSAT workflows. The role supports the modernization of digital infrastructure and automation to enhance technical robustness, operational performance, and network scalability.

What you will get:

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Opportunities for career growth and development.

• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• 401(k) matching plan.

• Supportive leadership and mentoring.

• Commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

Access to our full list of global benefits: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you will do:

• Digital Roadmap & Execution: Develop and implement a 1–3 year digital roadmap for SPM operations in collaboration with Integrated Biologics (INB) MSAT and cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities, track performance KPIs, and integrate high-value digital tools for accelerated tech transfer and operational readiness. 

• Digital Systems Harmonization: Establish a unified digital backbone by standardizing MODA® Platform configurations and integrating core systems (MES, LIMS, ELN, LIMS, PI/GDM, DMS, TrackWise and DeltaV) to enable real-time manufacturing visualization, advanced analytics, and seamless cross-site

• Technology & Innovation Leadership: Serve as the operational digital authority by piloting advanced capabilities like AI-assisted integration and virtual manufacturing while evaluating emerging tools to drive strategic scale-up decisions across the network.

• Data Governance & Compliance: Lead SPM-wide governance for operational data structures and taxonomies while ensuring all digital systems maintain strict GxP compliance, validation, and lifecycle management standards.

• Integration Architecture & Lifecycle Management: Define system boundaries and integration architectures to consolidate data flows, ensuring a seamless and compliant foundation that supports digital maturity and AI-readiness.

• Change Leadership & Upskilling: Lead cross-site adoption programs to advance digital maturity and establish dedicated upskilling pathways for MSAT, QA, and operational teams.

• Network Representation & Alignment: Act as the primary operational digital representative for SPM across global governance boards while clarifying stakeholder roles and building cross-site roadmaps for digital standard adoption. 

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in a field of study such as Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, or other life science degree with 12-15 years’ experience within the bio/pharma industry or  Master’s Degree with 10-13 years’ experience.

• Strong capability in data architecture, system integration, and OT/IT connectivity across
  manufacturing platforms.

• Proficiency in advanced analytics, real‑time data visualization, and digital dashboards.

• Expertise  in  digital  manufacturing  systems  such  as  MES,  MODA  ES,  EBR,  LIMS,  ELN,  DMS, TrackWise, PI/OSIsoft, and DeltaV.

• Familiarity with AI‑enabled tools, automated reporting, and predictive or model‑based analytics.

• Solid understanding of GxP, data integrity, and computer