L

Senior Manager, Global Decarbonization & Climate Transition

Lonza • France • Added on Sep 10, 2026
Apply →

This senior leadership position focuses on orchestrating the climate transition for a major global business unit. You will lead the design and execution of a comprehensive decarbonization roadmap, translating high-level net-zero ambitions into actionable site-level plans and procurement strategies. Your work involves balancing complex data modeling with the practical coordination of emissions reductions across international operations and a massive supplier network.

The pharmaceutical industry faces unique challenges in decarbonizing energy-intensive manufacturing and complex supply chains. By aligning the business unit with the latest SBTi requirements, you ensure that health innovations do not come at the cost of the planet. This role is pivotal in decoupling growth from carbon output, directly influencing how thousands of global vendors transition toward net-zero manufacturing.

This suits someone who possesses a strong technical background in material science or chemistry and has successfully led large-scale climate strategies in industrial settings. You should be a data-driven strategist who is equally comfortable with LCA modeling and senior stakeholder negotiation.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to architect and steer the Climate Transition program for the Capsules & Health Ingredients division. This involves creating a granular roadmap to address Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, ensuring every milestone aligns with the evolving SBTi Corporate standards. You will be the owner of the decarbonization levers, moving from theoretical targets to practical implementation across global manufacturing sites. On the procurement side, you are responsible for managing the decarbonization plans for approximately 4,000 active vendors and a 500 million Euro spend. This includes defining due diligence plans for data verification and integrating sustainability criteria directly into the core procurement processes. You will ensure that carbon footprint data is validated and ready for high-stakes external disclosures. Additionally, you will serve as a bridge between technical data and corporate reporting. This includes providing the necessary Scope 3 data for integrated reports and representing the organization in external industrial bodies. Your goal is to foster knowledge exchange and ensure the company remains a leader in supply chain responsibility.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain unparalleled exposure to the SBTi's 2025 updated requirements, placing you at the forefront of global climate compliance. Managing a decarbonization project of this scale provides deep insights into the complexities of pharmaceutical supply chains and the technical challenges of reducing Scope 3 emissions in a highly regulated industry. You will also have the chance to master advanced LCA modeling and digital reporting platforms specifically designed for sustainability data. Interaction with a global network of suppliers and internal EHS experts will sharpen your ability to manage multi-stakeholder sustainability flows, while representing the company in industry bodies will build your reputation as a subject matter expert in industrial decarbonization.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree in Material Science, Chemistry, or Environmental Science, which provides the technical foundation needed to understand industrial processes. An MBA or equivalent professional experience is highly valued to navigate the business implications of large-scale capital expenditures required for the climate transition. Significant experience in defining decarbonization roadmaps and managing complex projects is essential. You must be proficient in data modeling and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to ensure the accuracy of carbon reporting. While English fluency is mandatory, a working knowledge of French is a distinct advantage given the role's base in Colmar. Soft skills are equally critical; we are looking for a leader who can influence without direct authority. You should be capable of training procurement teams and engaging with high-level executives, translating technical climate data into compelling business cases that drive investment and change.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a proven track record of moving beyond goal-setting into implementation. Provide concrete examples of where you have successfully reduced emissions in a manufacturing or supply chain context. Highlighting your familiarity with SBTi protocols and how you have navigated complex data sets will show you are ready for the technical demands of the role. Lonza values excellence and accountability, so tailor your cover letter to show how you manage the validation and verification of supplier data. Show that you understand the pharmaceutical industry's unique regulatory environment and how sustainability can be integrated without compromising quality or safety. A focus on your ability to lead supplier engagement programs will also be highly relevant.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is laser-focused on decarbonization and net-zero alignment. A massive portion of the impact will come from the Scope 3 supplier reduction plans, targeting the carbon intensity of raw materials and logistics. You will be instrumental in ensuring the company meets its public climate commitments and stays ahead of global climate-related regulations. Water consumption and resource efficiency within the supply chain are also key components of the broader Climate Transition program. By updating procurement policies and due diligence plans, the role ensures that sustainability is not just a reporting exercise but a fundamental part of the company's sourcing strategy and operational DNA.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the most significant challenges will be the harmonization of data across 4,000 diverse vendors. Ensuring data quality and resolving inconsistencies requires meticulous attention to detail and persistent supplier engagement. You will need to build a robust governance model that can handle these complexities at scale. Another challenge lies in balancing CAPEX requirements for decarbonization with operational budgets. Coordinating site-level roadmaps across different regions requires navigating varying local regulations and resource availability. You must be prepared to manage the tension between aggressive climate targets and the practicalities of a high-output manufacturing environment.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing decarbonization progress reports from regional sites, followed by a meeting with the procurement team to discuss supplier engagement strategies. You might spend time analyzing LCA data or proofreading sustainability disclosures for the annual report, ensuring every figure stands up to scrutiny. Afternoons could involve a virtual meeting with an industrial body to discuss best practices in Scope 3 reporting, followed by a session with internal stakeholders to refine the governance model for carbon data. The day often ends with strategic planning, perhaps updating the roadmap to reflect new SBTi requirements or preparing a presentation for senior management on investment priorities.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position offers a high-visibility platform within a global CDMO leader, providing a direct path toward executive-level sustainability leadership. Because you are leading a global program, you will develop the strategic profile necessary for a Head of Sustainability or Chief Sustainability Officer role in the future. Beyond vertical promotion, there are opportunities for lateral moves into strategic procurement, EHS leadership, or operational management. The specialized expertise gained in decarbonizing a pharmaceutical supply chain is a rare and highly sought-after skill set that will make you a leader in the green transition of the life sciences sector.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact with a wide array of internal stakeholders, including the Global Procurement team, EHS managers at various sites, and the Corporate Sustainability reporting team. You will also collaborate with finance and legal departments to ensure that decarbonization projects are integrated into annual budgets and policies. Externally, your primary contacts will be the sustainability leads at key suppliers and representatives from external rating agencies and industrial bodies. You will also play a role in communicating the company’s progress to investors and customers, who increasingly demand transparency and aggressive action on climate change.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.