Senior Director, Global Head of Program Management DFS Nutra

Job description

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. At Lonza, we are looking for a Senior Director, Global Head of Program Management to lead and transform the Program Management (PM) function across our Capsules & Health Ingredients (CHI) DFS Nutra network. As the business continues to grow globally, this role will ensure a consistent, high-performing, and customer-centric PM organization that delivers seamless execution across the full product lifecycle. In this strategic leadership position, you will define and drive the global PM strategy, operating model, and performance across all sites. You will partner closely with senior leaders across Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure Program Management is a key enabler of customer success, operational excellence, and business profitability. This role is critical in transitioning the organization from an order management approach to a fully integrated, lifecycle-driven Program Management model. Key responsibilities: Define and implement the global Program Management strategy, aligning with DFS Nutra and Lonza business objectives Lead and develop a global PM organization, including Site PM Heads, fostering a high-performing and aligned team across regions Establish and drive a standardized global PM operating model covering the full customer lifecycle from contract signature through development, launch, and recurring business Drive harmonization of PM processes, tools, governance, and metrics across all sites in line with global standards and COE guidance Oversee global portfolio health, resource allocation, and delivery performance to ensure consistent execution and optimal outcomes Partner with Commercial and Account Management teams to align Program Management activities with customer strategies and long-term growth Build and maintain strong relationships with key global customers, ensuring seamless and consistent engagement across regions Monitor and improve global delivery KPIs, including on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and program profitability Drive continuous improvement and capability building across the PM function, including leadership development and best practice sharing Lead transformation initiatives, including the shift from order management to a full lifecycle Program Management model Champion innovation in tools, processes, and ways of working to enhance agility, scalability, and performance Required qualifications: Extensive experience in Program Management, Project Management, or related leadership roles, ideally within nutraceuticals, food supplements, or life sciences manufacturing environments Strong experience managing complex customer programs across the full lifecycle from development to commercialization Proven track record in building or scaling Program Management functions in a global, matrixed organization Strong commercial and operational acumen, with the ability to drive profitability and customer value Deep understanding of project management methodologies, governance, and tools (e.g., SAP ERP, Wrike, Asana, Planview, MS Project) Strong leadership capability with experience developing high-performing, globally distributed teams Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across functions and seniority levels High adaptability and ability to lead through transformation and organizational change Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred PMP or equivalent project management certification is a plus Willingness to travel internationally (up to ~50%) 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. Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.