Director - R&D PS&T Technology Platform

Lonza

Slough, United Kingdom

Are you prepared to lead with innovation and make a meaningful impact on the future of life sciences? Lonza AG is seeking a Director – R&D for Process Science & Technology to join our dynamic team in the UK. This role is pivotal in steering our cell culture and purification teams, driving near-term innovations while crafting the long-range plans for our Technology Platform. You will play a crucial role in ensuring Lonza remains a market leader through flawless project execution and outstanding leadership.

Key responsibilities:

Develop and implement plans to ensure timely delivery on near-term R&D project outcomes, coordinating implementation with Operations for efficient technology transfer;
Manage and lead a budget of approximately 15 million CHF and coordinate around 40 full-time employees (FTEs);
Ensure effective reporting to governance bodies and planning tools, while developing strategic long-range R&D plans, including establishing external collaborations;
Assist with portfolio management for R&D to improve profitability and ensure consistent delivery on business targets;
Capture and secure valuable new intellectual property from R&D projects, converting it into outstanding beneficial offerings for long-term competitiveness and growth;
Engage routinely with senior management on key initiatives to establish technology roadmaps and secure long-term business opportunities for all Bio R&D areas;
Drive external thought leadership and foster an innovation culture within Lonza;
Provide leadership within Bio R&D, establishing effective communication channels and aligning with the Bio R&D leadership team;
Maintain high-level market awareness and assess market intelligence data to support long-term growth strategy execution, bringing to bear external opportunities to complement internal R&D;
Ensure controls are in place to monitor progress and success effectively;
Lead scientific groups through personal development plans, proactive performance management, mentoring, and coaching, encouraging a culture of curiosity, creativity, and innovation.

Key requirements:

PhD or equivalent experience in business or a Life Sciences field, with a preferred study area in Biology, Chemistry, or related Life Sciences;
At least 8 years of experience leading R&D at a senior leadership level, with a minimum of 10 years in R&D or production and people management;
Demonstrated innovative skills and experience leading complex technology projects;
Broad knowledge of technology needs and the customer base;
General commercial understanding of corporate and operational business issues;
Ability to work in a complex and fast-paced matrix environment;
Excellent leadership and people management skills, capable of managing multiple points of view and building partnerships;
Ability to bring divergent personalities together to build a team that delivers results;
Ability to manage complexity, quickly analyze data, formulate hypotheses, and make recommendations;
Commercially savvy with a good market understanding and the ability to foresee patterns and trends;
Excellent communication, presentation, and listening skills;
Ability to get results and lead by influence within a matrix organizational environment;
No visa sponsorship available.