Associate Director, Manufacturing

Associate Director, Manufacturing

Location: This position is based at our Walkersville, MD site and is a full-time role with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Associate Director, Manufacturing is responsible for supporting the successful implementation and operational start-up of new manufacturing capabilities driven by capital investments. This role ensures that production teams, processes, and equipment are fully prepared for GMP-compliant operations, enabling efficient, safe, and high-quality manufacturing that aligns with both client expectations and regulatory requirements.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this on-site position is expected to range between $120,000 to $204,000. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.

• 401(k) matching plan.

• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Employee assistance programs.

• Paid time off (PTO).

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do:
 

Operational Leadership & Team Management

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations for assigned end-to-end (E2E) projects, overseeing supervisors, specialists, and production staff.

• Ensure team readiness, resource planning, and performance management in alignment with project timelines and client expectations.

• Support the E2E Lead and Head of Manufacturing in executing strategic initiatives and act as a deputy for operational matters in their absence.

Project Execution & Operational Readiness

• Drive operational readiness for new manufacturing programs, including facility preparation, equipment qualification, and documentation development.

• Partner with cross-functional teams (QA, MSAT, Engineering, etc.) to ensure seamless project execution from tech transfer through batch release.

• Contribute to capital project planning and facility design to ensure operational feasibility and adherence to GMP requirements.

Client Engagement & Tech Transfer

• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for clients throughout onboarding, tech transfer, and routine execution phases.

• Ensure manufacturing processes align with client expectations and regulatory standards.

• Support the Director in high-level client discussions and strategic planning activities.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure execution of GMP-compliant manufacturing operations, including deviation management, CAPA implementation, and audit readiness.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies.

• Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs), recommending and implementing corrective actions as needed.

What we are looking for:

• A strong people leader with proven experience managing manufacturing teams in a GMP-regulated environment, capable of guiding staff, driving performance, and fostering a culture of quality and operational excellence.

• A bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Engineering, along with 7+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or CDMO manufacturing, demonstrating a deep understanding of end-to-end operations and regulatory expectations.

• Extensive experience in tech transfer, capital project execution, and client-facing interactions, with the ability to translate complex requirements into clear operational plans and ensure alignment across cross-functional teams.

• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies, with a track record of applying these principles to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and support long-term operational growth.

• The ability to combine strategic thinking with practical, hands-on execution, effectively collaborating across functions and communicating clearly with internal stakeholders and external clients.

• A demonstrated commitment to quality, compliance, problem-solving, and sound decision-making, especially in fast-paced, dynamic, and highly regulated environments.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow.