Associate Director, Maintenance
Lonza
Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Associate Director, Maintenance to lead maintenance, utilities, and facility operations at our Walkersville manufacturing site. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of critical systems, managing internal teams and external service providers, and driving continuous improvement across asset performance and facility operations.
Job description
What you will do
- Lead and oversee maintenance, utilities, calibration, and reliability functions to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant site operations
- Manage the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) vendor, including contract performance, KPIs, service delivery, and budget oversight
- Ensure reliable operation of plant utilities and systems, including HVAC, WFI, steam, compressed air, process gases, and manufacturing equipment
- Develop and manage annual operating budgets, forecasts, and capital planning related to facilities and maintenance activities
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on asset reliability, maintenance effectiveness, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE)
- Support capital projects, facility expansions, and equipment installations, including planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate maintenance performance, work order execution, and resource utilization
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and support audits, inspections, deviations, and CAPA activities
What we are looking for
- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing maintenance, utilities, or facilities within a pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environment
- Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams, including maintenance, utilities, and reliability engineering personnel
- Strong technical knowledge of facility systems, including HVAC, GMP utilities, and biologics manufacturing operations
- Experience managing vendor relationships and outsourced service providers, including performance monitoring and contract management
- Solid understanding of reliability engineering principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and asset management programs
- Proficiency with CMMS systems (SAP preferred) and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and translate technical concepts into clear business insights
Requirements
- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing maintenance, utilities, or facilities within a pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environment
- Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams, including maintenance, utilities, and reliability engineering personnel
- Strong technical knowledge of facility systems, including HVAC, GMP utilities, and biologics manufacturing operations
- Experience managing vendor relationships and outsourced service providers, including performance monitoring and contract management
- Solid understanding of reliability engineering principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and asset management programs
- Proficiency with CMMS systems (SAP preferred) and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and translate technical concepts into clear business insights
Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Life Insurance
- Short-term Disability
- Long-term Disability
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
Lonza is a pioneering global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and a world leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing services. Founded in 1897 in Switzerland, the company has evolved into the first and original CDMO, now operating as one of the largest Western CDMO networks with approximately 19,000 employees across more than 30 sites spanning five continents. Lonza specializes in transforming therapeutic discoveries into life-saving and life-enhancing treatments for patients worldwide. The company's comprehensive services span from early development to drug substance and drug product manufacturing, covering established and emerging technologies including mammalian biologics, small molecules, highly potent APIs, bioconjugates, mRNA, microbial products, and cell and gene therapies. With a focus on cutting-edge science, smart technology, and lean manufacturing, Lonza serves a diverse customer base ranging from emerging biotechs to global pharmaceutical companies, delivering integrated solutions throughout the entire treatment lifecycle.