Site Head of Human Resources

Lonza•Vacaville, CA

6d•$211,000 - $320,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lonza is seeking an experienced, strategic, and dynamic Head of Human Resources to lead the full HR function for their Vacaville site. This senior leadership role serves as a trusted advisor to site and business leaders, driving people strategies that enable organizational performance, foster a high-performance culture, and support the achievement of Lonza's long-term business objectives. As a key member of the site leadership team, this individual will play a critical role in shaping and strengthening the organizational culture, developing a comprehensive agenda on talent acquisition and management, leading change management efforts, and building leadership capabilities across the organization. The Head of HR will champion Lonza's values and purpose, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven environment that supports innovation, engagement, and sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will bring deep HR leadership experience within a complex manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences environment, coupled with a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, navigate organizational transformation, and deliver impactful people solutions that drive business success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within a global or complex organizational structure.
10+ years of progressive HR experience within a GMP manufacturing environment; pharmaceutical manufacturing or CDMO experience strongly preferred.
Proven track record of developing and implementing successful HR strategies that drive business results.
Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
Deep understanding of HR best practices, labor laws, and regulations across various jurisdictions.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated experience in organizational design, change management, and talent acquisition strategies.
Strong analytical skills and experience using HR metrics to drive decision-making.
Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is a significant advantage.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, or chemical industry is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies, policies, and programs that align with Lonza AG's overall business strategy, values, and objectives.
Oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, learning and development, and succession planning.
Lead and mentor the HR team, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring the team's continuous professional development.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all HR-related matters, providing expert guidance and support on organizational design, change management, and employee engagement initiatives.
Drive the development and execution of effective talent management strategies to identify, develop, and retain high-potential employees.
Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws, regulations, and industry standards across all operating regions.
Manage HR budgets and resources effectively, optimizing HR processes and systems for efficiency and effectiveness.
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.
Oversee the continuous improvement of HR analytics and reporting to provide data-driven insights for strategic decision-making.