Director, Global Innovation

This position is based in Basel, Switzerland.

As our Director, Global Innovation, you will identify and advance science and technology opportunities that strengthen Lonza’s long-term competitiveness as a CDMO. Working within Group Strategy, you will assess emerging technologies, build the case for investment, and bring R&D, business and leadership teams together around the most promising opportunities.

What you will get:

• Opportunities to shape Lonza’s innovation priorities and work with emerging science and technology.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace where your ideas are valued.
• A competitive salary and compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• A range of lifestyle, family, and leisure benefits. Read more here

What you will do:

• Scout and assess external technologies, platforms and business models across biologics, advanced therapeutics, bioconjugation, drug delivery, synthetic biology, AI and digital tools, and next-generation manufacturing.
• Identify innovation growth areas by connecting scientific trends and customer needs with opportunities in Lonza’s portfolio.
• Lead scientific, technical, commercial and financial assessments of opportunities, including proofs of concept, partnerships, licensing, investments and potential acquisitions.
• Build business cases covering market demand, competitive positioning, revenue potential, margin impact, valuation and investment risks.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations on whether to develop, partner, license, invest in or acquire an opportunity, clearly outlining its strategic fit, value potential, risks and requirements for execution to senior decision makers.
• Manage a pipeline of opportunities, tracking progress, resources, budgets, decision points and potential value.
• Partner with R&D and business teams to define proof-of-concept objectives, success measures and pathways to implementation.
• Build relationships across biotech, pharma, academia, venture capital and technology providers.

What we are looking for:

• A master’s degree or PhD in life sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, pharmaceutical sciences or a related field, combined with business education or substantial commercial experience.
• Strong scientific understanding of technologies relevant to pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, paired with sound commercial judgement.
• Experience assessing the feasibility and business potential of new technologies in a commercial setting, such as business development, licensing, investment, strategy, CDMO services or a customer-facing technical role.
• Financial skills, including business case development, valuation, NPV and IRR modelling, and scenario analysis.
• Experience coordinating due diligence across scientific, commercial, operational, intellectual property, regulatory and financial topics.
• The ability to turn complex or incomplete information into clear recommendations for senior leaders.
• Strong writing, presentation and communication skills, with the ability to engage both scientific and business audiences.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to influence teams across functions without direct reporting lines.
• Curiosity about emerging science and technology, and the ability to build strong external networks.
• Business-fluent English.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. Our teams work together to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion, and Integrity guide how we work, and everyone’s ideas can help improve lives.

We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Join us to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies.

Ready to help shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.