Manufacturing Project Specialist

Location: Houston, TX, US. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families. This is a fully site-based role.

About the role

An agile career and dynamic working culture. An inclusive and ethical workplace. Compensation programs that recognize high performance. A variety of benefits dependent on role and location. View the full list of global benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage viral vector manufacturing projects from concept to completion, including technology transfers, capital projects, campaign support, and manufacturing initiatives.
• Own and drive improvement initiatives that align with department KPIs, focusing on quality, cost reduction, efficiency, innovation, on-time delivery, and right-first-time performance.
• Manage and monitor key processes such as CAPAs, planned deviations, and change controls to ensure compliance and timely closure.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (MSAT, Engineering, Validation, PD, PM, Supply Chain, etc.), customers, and manufacturing suites to develop or update policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Review deviation investigation reports and validation protocols as part of ongoing process and quality control.
• Monitor and support the timely closure of CAPAs and deviations, ensuring proper escalation and follow-up on overdue tasks.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to core technicians and other teams, including training on new processes or procedures, particularly drug product (DP) operation and filler machines.
• Ensure effective communication of project status, risks, and changes to stakeholders, aligning with overall project goals and objectives.
• Support manufacturing readiness, ongoing operations, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform other duties/projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field (preferred).
• 5-10 years of experience in BioTech or Drug Product Manufacturing.
• In-depth technical knowledge of small and large-scale (50L, 250L, and 2KL) viral vector manufacturing processes, particularly in drug product operations and equipment.
• Experience in technology transfer processes and campaign readiness.
• Strong understanding of batch record procedures and essential manufacturing documentation.
• Proficient in Quality Systems (e.g., deviations, change controls, TrackWise) and their practical application in manufacturing operations.
• Solid knowledge of process, equipment, cleaning, and computer system validations; ability to review and approve protocols and reports, and support new equipment implementation.
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to clearly convey technical information.
• Collaborative team player with adaptability, capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage medium to large-sized projects within required timeframes and make sound decisions considering broad factors.
• Ability to work inter-departmentally and with customers.
• Demonstrates role model behaviors for GMP and Safety.
• Embraces new challenges with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Demonstrates a continuous improvement attitude.
• Leads and collaborates through changes with curiosity, ownership, and accountability.
• Proficient in MS Project, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; open to learning new technologies and processes.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values—Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion, and Integrity—reflect who we are and how we work. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.