Associate Director, Head of Human Resources, Houston

About the role

United States, Houston (Texas) Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three 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.

Due to continued business growth and expansion, and internal leadership movement, Lonza is seeking an experienced, strategic, and dynamic Associate Director, HR Partnering (HR Site Head) to lead the people agenda for our Houston site. As the senior HR leader for the site, this individual will serve as a key member of both the Site Leadership Team and the broader global HR organization. The role is responsible for partnering with business leaders to drive organizational effectiveness, foster a high-performance culture, support transformational growth, and ensure the development of a sustainable and engaged workforce. The Associate Director, HR Partnering will play a critical role in aligning people strategies with business priorities, influencing organizational direction, and enabling operational success within a rapidly growing and highly dynamic manufacturing environment. As the HR leader for a 24/7 manufacturing facility, this role requires a highly visible, hands-on, and engaged onsite presence. The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to provide effective HR leadership and support across the site's operational schedule while maintaining strong connections with employees and leaders at all levels.

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Site Head and Site Leadership Team.
• Build collaborative and effective partnerships with site leadership, internal stakeholders, the SPM HR Strategic Partner, and the global HR network.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term HR strategies aligned with business objectives and the Houston site vision.
• Translate business strategy into actionable people priorities and execution plans that drive organizational performance.
• Challenge and influence leaders to continuously improve organizational effectiveness, team performance, and talent development.
• Lead organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, and talent management initiatives.
• Drive all people-related aspects of business transformation, growth, and change management programs.
• Provide strategic HR guidance that mitigates business risk while fostering positive employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Develop and implement employee engagement strategies that strengthen culture, improve engagement outcomes, and