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 seeking a Head IT Architecture, Infrastructure and Operations to lead the global technology agenda across development and manufacturing operations within a highly regulated life‑sciences / CDMO environment.
The Head IT Architecture, Infrastructure and Operations is accountable for defining and executing enterprise technology strategy and architecture that enables digital manufacturing, data & AI, quality and compliance excellence, cybersecurity, and scalable growth. Operating in close partnership with the CIO and senior business leaders, this role ensures technology platforms deliver impact on yield, reliability, speed, compliance, and supply resilience across a multi‑site footprint.
Key Responsibilities
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Enterprise Technology Strategy & Architecture: Define and execute a multi‑year enterprise technology strategy and roadmap covering cloud, data, AI/ML, OT/edge, and cybersecurity, aligned to corporate objectives and CIO enterprise standards.
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Digital Manufacturing & OT / IT Convergence: Lead Industry 4.0 initiatives across global sites, including advanced automation, real‑time release, predictive maintenance, robotics, and secure OT/IT integration.
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Data, Analytics & AI Enablement: Build and operate an enterprise data platform with strong metadata, lineage, and master data management foundations.
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Cybersecurity & Risk in Regulated Environments: Drive security‑by‑design across manufacturing, lab, product, and cloud platforms.
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GxP Compliance, Validation & Inspection Readiness: Institutionalize CSV/CSA approaches for GxP computerized systems across their full lifecycle.
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Innovation Portfolio & External Partnerships: Identify, evaluate, and incubate emerging technologies such as generative AI, digital twins, advanced sensors, and continuous manufacturing.
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Talent, Operating Model & Vendor Ecosystem: Build and lead high‑performing global engineering, data, and product organizations.
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Budgeting & Investment Governance: Co‑own technology investment planning (CapEx/OpEx), lifecycle management, and value realization.
Required Experience & Qualifications
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15+ years of global technology leadership experience, including responsibility for large‑scale platforms, engineering, and enterprise transformations across multiple sites.
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Proven delivery of digital manufacturing in GxP‑regulated environments with FDA/EMA exposure.
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Strong experience with OT/IT convergence and cybersecurity in regulated manufacturing environments.
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Experience within or with CDMOs, biopharma manufacturers, or similarly regulated life‑sciences organizations.
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Track record of innovation portfolio leadership with measurable business value.
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
The actual location of this job is in Basel, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.
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.
