• Job Description

  Req#: R58597

  Head of Strategy and External Innovation

  Location: Basel, Switzerland Global Role other base locations considered for the right candidate

  Travel Significant Travel 50%

  Job Description Summary

  The role leads a number of functions within Bio R&D including, Strategy, External Innovation, Marketing and Program Management. In particular, from a strategic perspective, the role will provide insight, direction and analysis to support Bio R&D’s Innovation Strategy with the aim of offering Lonza customers new, best-in-class solutions throughout the value chain. The role will h elp to define Bio R&D’s short, mid and long (5+ years) term strategic vision. Collaborate with Corporate Development, Commercial BUs, Tech Ops and other functions on strategic initiatives. From an External Innovation perspective, the responsibilities include the coordination of all mid- and long term Bio R&D external activities (technology-scouting, development collaborations, technology in-licensing, grant management etc.) as well as the alignment of internal stakeholders to adopt emerging technology standards and business models.

  The role requires a strong strategic and innovation-oriented mind-set, clear scientific/technological leadership and a strong solid business development acumen.

  Key Accountabilities

  • Support the Strategy team to develop 5 year BSR plans for R&D working closely together with the BU’s within the Biologics Division as well as other internal/peer stakeholders.

  • Support the PMO team to lead the R&D portfolio management process, including allocation of resources, project prioritization and financial risk assessment.

  • Lead business case development including conducting and coordinating data analysis and financial modeling in support of the BU/R&D, including scenario analysis, NPV-based valuations.

  • Help deliver (with the PMO team) the Bio R&D project pipeline, through rigorous implementation of the Stage Gate and other processes, and develop recommendations to increase effectiveness.

  • Support BU Head/R&D Head on special projects critical to the long term success of Bio R&D, including providing strategic guidance on potential Corporate Development/M&A activity.

  • Conduct and co-ordinate primary and secondary research into the biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing market, Lonza’s current and future customers’ markets and relevant adjacent or enabling technologies.

  • Perform other duties as assigned .

  • Map out, implement and update the external innovation governance as part of the overall Bio R&D innovation strategy in order to achieve and maintain Lonza’s competitive leadership position.

  • Assemble and lead a ring-fenced team of technology scouts covering all R&D focus area according to the required scientific standards.

  • Provide strong scientific and technical project leadership in the relevant innovation areas and advise the Head of Bio R&D as well as upper management on emerging technology trends to enable the Lonza`s continued success.

  • Align internal stakeholders in technology projects of strategic and potentially transformational character to prioritize R&D’s external innovation objectives based on strategic imperatives, core capabilities, and technological gaps.

  • Enhance, maintain and develop Lonza’s IP portfolio in the area of Biomanufacturing.

  • Introduce external opportunities to internal committees and upper management and support legal and commercial teams, during due diligences, negotiations and agreement settings.

  • Shape Lonza`s corporate venturing network to fill the innovation funnel in relevant R&D focus areas

  • Publish scientific contributions (White papers, reviews, articles) and represent Lonza at conferences and in social media

  • Perform other duties as assigned

  Education

  Degree (required) * PhD / MBA - Field of Study Biochemistry/Biology or equivalent

  Work Experience

  • Area Leadership/strategy experience, either in Corporate or within International Consulting Firm. Level *Highly Experienced - 10+ years

  • Area Leading Innovation Projects Level Highly Experienced - 10+ years

  • Area Broad education and understanding of Biologics market Level Highly Experienced - 10+ years

• About the company

  Lonza Group is a Swiss multinational chemicals and biotechnology company, headquartered in Basel, with major facilities in Europe, North America and South Asia.

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