Senior Director, Strategic Operational Technology

Lonza • Walkersville, MD

4d

About The Position

The Senior Director of Operational Technology (OT) is a pivotal leadership role that requires a proven professional with both strategic acumen and deep technical expertise to drive transformative initiatives across the Business Unit's (BU) operational technology landscape. This role requires a senior leader to define and execute an OT strategy aligned with BU and platform priorities, leveraging emerging technologies—including AI—to drive efficiency and innovation. The Senior Director will oversee complex OT programs end‑to‑end while leading and developing the Bioscience OT team. Strong financial acumen is essential, including ownership of technology budgets, cost analysis, and ROI evaluation for major initiatives. Success in this role depends on strong cross‑functional collaboration with IT, Operations, and Global Centers of Excellence to deliver fit‑for‑purpose solutions that achieve operational excellence. The ability to operate effectively within a matrix environment—aligning diverse stakeholders through clear communication, negotiation, and strategic focus—is critical to ensuring holistic, enterprise‑aligned transformation outcomes.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in FDA‑regulated, GMP environments, preferably within Pharma/Biopharma manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in IT/OT or related field, with strong preference for Biopharma IT focus.
• Deep technical expertise in OT systems, manufacturing technologies, and emerging OT trends.
• Proven leader of large‑scale digital and OT transformation initiatives in regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and the technologies that enable them.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business outcomes and influence senior stakeholders.
• Visionary people leader with a strong track record of building, developing, and inspiring high‑performing OT teams, including practical experience leveraging AI.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the OT strategic roadmap aligned to BU vision, enterprise goals, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide thought leadership on OT best practices, emerging technologies, and AI adoption to drive efficiency and business outcomes.
• Define and implement a robust OT governance framework, including policies, standards, risk management, and compliance for biotech operations.
• Lead and oversee complex OT transformation programs, ensuring strong program governance, stakeholder engagement, and on‑time delivery.
• Drive process improvement, technology implementation, and organizational change across site, BU, and global initiatives.
• Manage technology budgets, resources, and performance metrics, including forecasting, ROI evaluation, and prioritization of high‑impact initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing IT/OT organization, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior