Site Operations Head, Cologne

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five 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.

We are looking for a Site Operations Head Cologne (m/f/d), who will also serve as Managing Director (Geschäftsführer) (m/f/d) for the Cologne site in Germany.

In this role, you hold full executive responsibility for the site, including operational performance, compliance, people leadership, and strategic development.

As Managing Director, you are accountable for approximately 140 employees in Germany and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations in line with Lonza’s global strategy and local legal requirements.

The Cologne site has a unique role within the Lonza Group, as it is responsible for the manufacture of transfection devices that are produced exclusively at this location and supplied globally. This requires strong leadership in a classical production and manufacturing environment, including external supplier management, production planning, and quality control, while operating within global corporate frameworks.

You lead the site’s operational functions, including Manufacturing, Technical Services (Engineering, Maintenance, Site Services, OT), Operational Excellence, HSE and Quality, and work closely with Supply Chain, MSAT, HR and Finance within the Bioscience matrix organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Managing Director (Geschäftsführer) (m/f/d) with full responsibility for site operations, compliance, people, and performance

• Overall accountability for safety, quality, delivery, people and financial results

• Lead and continuously improve production and manufacturing operations for specialized devices supplied globally

• Ensure compliance with HSE and regulatory requirements and promote strong safety and quality cultures

• Align global corporate standards with the requirements of a device‑based production environment

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, cost efficiency and operational performance

• Develop and execute site master plans and CAPEX strategies

• Ensure adequate infrastructure, capacity and resources to meet current and future business needs

• Develop and deliver annual site targets aligned with BU and corporate objectives

• Lead, coach and develop the Site Leadership Team

• Contribute as an active member of the Bioscience Operations Leadership Team

Direct reports: 5–7
Operations & Quality scope: approx. 40 employees
Total site responsibility (Germany): approx. 140 employees

Key Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in a natural science discipline; PhD strongly preferred

• Extensive senior leadership experience in operations with a strong focus on production and manufacturing, ideally in regulated industries

• Proven end‑to‑end site responsibility, including production, quality, HSE and people leadership

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, operational excellence and continuous improvement

• Experience managing external suppliers and complex production value chains

• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills

• Negotiation experience, including interaction with employee representatives or unions

• Strong financial acumen and strategic mindset

• Ability to lead change and operate effectively in complex, high‑pressure environments

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.