Executive Director, IT Business Partner – Advanced Synthesis

Lonza seeks an Executive Director to lead IT strategy for its Advanced Synthesis platform, aligning technology with business goals to drive innovation and operational excellence in Basel.

This senior leadership position acts as the key strategic link between the Advanced Synthesis business unit and IT functions. The role is responsible for defining the digital roadmap and investment priorities, ensuring that technology initiatives directly support business growth, innovation, and operational targets.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main strategic advisor to business leadership, ensuring technology plans align with operational goals and long-term growth.
• Develop and manage the multi-year technology roadmap, leveraging data, automation, AI, and enterprise systems to create business value.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of digital products and IT projects, including demand management, prioritization, and delivery governance.
• Manage the IT portfolio by developing business cases, allocating resources, and prioritizing investments to maximize return.
• Collaborate with enterprise teams for solutions, digital data, infrastructure, security, and site IT to deliver secure and compliant technologies across manufacturing and quality systems.
• Provide technology support for major expansions, capital projects, and mergers or acquisitions, ensuring smooth IT integration.
• Build strong relationships with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and business leaders to advise on digital innovation and strategy.
• Maintain strict compliance with IT governance, cybersecurity, GxP, and data integrity standards, supporting audits and governance activities.
• Track portfolio performance using KPIs and value metrics to drive continuous improvement in IT services and digital capabilities.
• Lead and mentor platform IT teams, including Site IT Leaders and Product Owners, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Requirements

• Over 10 years of experience in IT leadership, business partnering, digital transformation, or technology strategy within global organizations.
• Proven track record of partnering with senior executives to define technology strategies that deliver measurable business results.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing IT, enterprise platforms, digital products, automation, data, AI, and ERP/MES environments.
• Experience managing complex technology portfolios and cross-functional programs in matrixed organizational structures.
• Strong knowledge of regulated industries such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or advanced manufacturing.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic decisions without direct authority, managing competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with experience in building business cases and realizing value.
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

Nice to have

• Master's degree is preferred.

What the company offers

• Employees are empowered to take ownership of their career paths.
• The opportunity to contribute to improving lives globally through scientific innovation.

About the company

Lonza is a global leader in the life sciences sector, operating across five continents. The company believes that its greatest scientific solution is its talented workforce, working together to devise ideas that help businesses support people. Lonza is committed to respecting and protecting both its people and the environment, ensuring that all success is achieved ethically.

• Global presence in the life sciences industry across five continents.
• Focus on talented people working together to create impactful solutions.
• Commitment to respecting and protecting employees and the environment.
• Strong emphasis on ethical achievement and integrity.