Head of Site Development and Support Services — Lonza
- Location
- Visp
- Contract
- Full-time
- Posted
- 31 days ago
Full 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.
We are looking for a Head of Site Development and Support Services to join our team in Visp, Switzerland!
The Head of Site Development and Support Services plays a critical role in ensuring continued growth and competitiveness of the Visp site. The role is accountable for strategic site master planning, infrastructure development, and the Visp Innovation Program.
It ensures high-quality, compliant support services and fosters innovation and operational excellence across Shared Infrastructure. Leading a team of 100+ employees plus outsourced service partners, the position influences executive-level decisions and aligns site priorities with corporate strategy.
What you will do
- Define and execute the long-term site development strategy, ensuring the competitiveness, sustainability, and future growth of the Visp site.
- Partner with the Site Head and senior leaders to shape strategic priorities, investment plans, and resource allocation aligned with site and corporate objectives.
- Head the Transformation Office of the Visp Innovation Program, driving governance, portfolio management, value realization, risk management, and executive reporting.
- Oversee major infrastructure and workplace initiatives that enhance productivity, employee experience, sustainability, and business performance.
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, compliance, and cost-effective delivery across Support services incl. Facility Management, Central Services and Central Hygiene.
- Develop a high-performing organization of 100+ employees and external partners, fostering accountability, collaboration, and customer focus.
- Influence senior decision-making and ensure transparent governance, performance management, and alignment across platforms, functions, and executive stakeholders.
What we are looking for
- 10+ years of leadership experience with a proven track record of leading large-scale transformation initiatives within complex industrial environments, ideally in the CDMO, pharmaceutical, chemical, life sciences, or related industries.
- Strong ability to define long-term strategies, translate vision into execution, and drive measurable business outcomes.
- Experience managing significant CAPEX/OPEX budgets, investment portfolios, and business cases to maximize value creation and resource effectiveness.
- Demonstrated success in delivering complex programs and strategic initiatives with tangible business impact.
- Deep understanding of operational excellence principles and a track record of improving productivity, efficiency, innovation, and organizational performance.
- Proven ability to lead large, diverse organizations, build talent, and successfully drive organizational change.
- Strong influencing and communication skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders incl. Executive Committee.
- Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Business-fluent in German and English.
- Project Management Certifications such as PMP, Prince 2 are a plus.
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.
Questions about this listing
What salary does Lonza offer for this role?
The original listing does not state a salary. Our estimate for this role and sector in Visp is CHF 83'500 - 126'500 gross per year — an estimate, not a figure communicated by Lonza. The calculator on this site converts a gross salary into your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does Lonza offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with Lonza during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Valais?
EU/EFTA citizens living in an EU/EFTA state can apply for a G permit and can work anywhere in Switzerland: border zones no longer apply to them, and they must return home at least once a week. The Swiss employer files the request with Canton Valais's migration office after the contract is signed. Processing times vary by canton, so confirm the specifics with Valais's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at Lonza?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to Lonza's original listing at lonza.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
