Manager, Project Engineering

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 Manager Project Engineering at Lonza AG is an outstanding opportunity to lead ambitious projects with a global impact. This role is crafted for those who are passionate about driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency within a world-class organization. You will be at the forefront of innovation, working to successfully implement projects that craft the future of our site’s capabilities!

Key responsibilities:

Project Execution and Management:

• Coordinate assigned projects through all phases, including conceptual design, detailed design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, start-up, commissioning, qualification, and handover.

• Ensure that all project objectives are achieved in accordance with project scope, timelines, and budgets.

• Collaborate with internal teams, external vendors, and contractors to ensure the seamless execution of projects, from design to final handover.

Scope, Schedule, and Budget Management:

• Define project scope, deliverables, achievements, and timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Develop, manage, and optimize project schedules and budgets.

• Provide regular and detailed status updates to leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and corrective actions.

• Work closely with collaborators and internal team members to develop capital estimates, budgets, and timelines for large-scale projects.

• Track and control project costs, providing regular financial reporting and forecasting to ensure alignment with approved budgets.

Contractor and Collaborator Coordination:

• Manage relationships with key collaborators, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

• Coordinate with internal teams and external contractors (including equipment manufacturers) to ensure smooth project execution.

• Provide technical mentorship and encouragement to contractors, trades, and team members, nurturing a positive safety culture and ensuring compliance with industrial and GxP requirements.

Investigations and Documentation:

• Lead investigations into equipment, utilities, and facility issues, using structured problem-solving techniques such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

• Document investigation findings, root causes, corrective actions, and preventive measures.

Qualification Program Ownership:

• Own and manage the site’s qualification program, ensuring that all applicable equipment, utilities, and facilities are maintained in a validated state.

• Lead and coordinate periodic qualification reviews, requalification, and other assessments as necessary to ensure compliance with cGMP and other regulatory standards.

• Ensure accurate documentation is maintained throughout the qualification lifecycle and is available for audits or internal reviews.

Managing and Developing Engineers:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, providing technical mentorship and encouraging their growth within the organization.

• Coordinate day-to-day operations of the engineering team, ensuring the successful execution of engineering projects while supporting individual development and performance.

• Ensure that engineers are equipped with the necessary tools, training, and resources to perform their roles effectively, and provide opportunities for continuous learning and skills development.

• Conduct regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and crafting development plans to help engineers meet their career goals.

• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the engineering team.

Functional Competencies:

• Proficient in creating clear, accurate, and detailed technical documentation for equipment procurement, design specifications, qualification protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ), process validation, safety procedures, and project reports.

Industry Knowledge:

• Comprehensive understanding of FDA-regulated industry requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Hands-on experience with engineering software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Solid