R&D Associate Director Finance & Controlling

at  Lonza

Location: Basel (Switzerland)
Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five 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!
You will be responsible for ensuring the financial integrity and strategic alignment of R&D investments across all divisions. This role exists to create a standardized approach to evaluating the Net Present Value (NPV) of R&D projects driving consistency and accuracy in financial assessments. By providing a centralized framework, you will help to streamline processes, reduce duplication, and uncover commonalities between divisions, ultimately contributing to cost optimization and efficient resource allocation.
You work closely with R&D team, divisional leaders and the corporate finance team to ensure that R&D investments align with both divisional and company goals. This role includes offering expert financial analysis of the portfolio and supporting the development of arguments for new initiatives. You will play a key role in driving cost efficiency while maintaining a deep focus on value creation through specialized and consistent financial insights! Are you ready for this great opportunity?

• Standardize NPV & risk assessment Methodology: Implement and maintain a uniform Net Present Value (NPV) assessment methodology for R&D projects across all divisions, ensuring consistency in financial evaluations.
• Support R&D Decision-Making: Provide expert financial analysis and insight to support informed decision-making on R&D investments, aligning with both divisional and corporate strategic goals.
• Cost Optimization Initiatives: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and support cost optimization initiatives, driving efficiencies in R&D processes and spending.
• Case Development: Assist in building comprehensive arguments for new projects and opportunities, including financial analysis, risk assessment, and strategic alignment. Monitor and Report R&D Performance: Build and maintain financial models to track the performance of R&D investments, delivering regular reports and insights to senior management and divisional heads.
• Champion Cross-Division Collaboration: Identify commonalities and opportunities for collaboration across divisions, using shared resources and knowledge to enhance value creation. Ensure Strategic Alignment: Evaluate R&D investments within the broader context of divisional and company goals, ensuring that resource allocation supports long-term strategic priorities.
• Improve Financial Processes: Lead efforts to streamline financial processes related to R&D, reducing administrative burden and enhancing the efficiency of reporting and analysis.
• Expert Advisory Role: Act as the key financial advisor to R&D leadership, providing specialized insights and recommendations for optimizing project portfolios and capital allocation.