SAR Platform Lead Controller

SAR Platform Lead Controller
Location: Hyderabad, India
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 help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world.
We are looking for an Associate Director, Finance & Controlling (INB and ADS) to drive excellence in cost controlling, financial governance, and strategic planning across Lonza's Business Platforms. This role serves as a trusted finance partner to Platform Leadership, ensuring transparency, consistency, and accountability in cost management while enabling data-driven decision-making. Leading a team of cost controllers, the position will champion digital transformation, process optimization, and advanced analytics to enhance financial performance and operational efficiency. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Finance and the business, the role will play a key part in shaping long-term financial strategy, improving cost visibility, and supporting sustainable growth.
What You'll Get
A finance leadership role with global exposure across Lonza's Business Platforms and strategic finance organization
The opportunity to influence key business decisions through cost transparency, financial governance, and strategic planning
Direct partnership with senior leadership on cost optimization, investment prioritization, and business performance initiatives
Exposure to digital transformation, automation, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled finance processes
The opportunity to lead and develop high-performing finance professionals within a global organization
A dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation
Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with role and experience
Ongoing professional development through global projects, leadership exposure, and career growth opportunities
What You'll Do
Leadership & Business Partnership
Act as the primary finance partner to Business Platform Leadership on all cost-controlling, SAR, and financial governance matters
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of cost controllers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders to drive financial transparency, cost discipline, and informed decision-making
Challenge assumptions, evaluate opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations to improve cost efficiency and business performance
Partner with the SAR Head and broader Finance leadership to execute strategic initiatives and drive effective organizational change
Cost Controlling & Financial Governance
Own and lead the end-to-end SAR process across the Business Platforms, ensuring consistency, quality, and governance
Establish and maintain standardized methodologies, controls, and reporting frameworks that drive comparability and transparency across platforms
Translate SAR outcomes into meaningful management insights, highlighting key cost drivers, risks, opportunities, and trends
Analyze overhead spending, FTE movements, project investments, and service-related costs to support proactive decision-making
Ensure financial data integrity, policy compliance, and adherence to Group accounting and controlling standards
Outlooks, Targets & Long-Term Planning
Lead the preparation of financial Outlooks, annual target-setting processes, and BSR long-range planning across the Business Platforms
Create strong alignment between actual results, SAR outputs, forecasts, and long-term plans through robust financial planning processes
Partner closely with FP&A and Platform Leadership to challenge assumptions, assess scenarios, and support strategic decision-making
Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to support headcount planning, cost evolution analyses, productivity programs, and strategic investments
Provide transparency on planning assumptions, financial variances, and business risks while recommending corrective actions where necessary
Process Optimization, Digitalization & Innovation
Drive simplification, standardization, and automation across cost-controlling and reporting processes
Strengthen controlling governance through enhanced policies, cost-center structures, reporting frameworks, and process controls
Lead the adoption of digital finance tools, automated reporting solutions, and advanced analytics capabilities
Foster a data-driven culture by improving data quality, reducing manual activities, and increasing operational efficiency
Leverage AI and emerging technologies to enhance business insights, forecasting accuracy, and finance process effectiveness
Strategic Contribution
Deliver ad-hoc analysis and executive-level insights on cost structures, overhead management, project spending, and financial performance
Support transformation initiatives, cost optimization programs, and strategic business projects across the organization
Identify emerging financial risks and opportunities while recommending actions that strengthen operational and financial performance
What We're Looking For
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline
Professional qualifications such as CMA, CPA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent certifications are advantageous
10-12 years of progressive experience in cost controlling, FP&A, finance business partnering, cost accounting, or related finance leadership roles within a complex global organization
Deep expertise in cost-controlling methodologies, overhead management, cost transparency frameworks, financial governance, and management reporting
Strong experience leading budgeting, forecasting, target-setting, and long-term planning processes across business functions
Demonstrated success partnering with senior global stakeholders and influencing strategic business decisions through financial insights
Proven leadership experience managing, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams in a matrixed environment
Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a track record of translating complex financial data into actionable recommendations
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial modeling, and financial systems, including SAP and reporting or analytics platforms
Experience driving digital transformation, automation initiatives, and continuous process improvement within finance organizations
Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational execution
Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
Highly resilient, adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to accuracy, governance, and continuous improvement
Business-fluent English required; additional language capabilities are an advantage
Work Model
This is an office-first role. Working together in person supports close, real-time collaboration and team alignment, enabling us to deliver our best work. You will work primarily in the office, with the flexibility to work remotely for up to 20% of your time (one day per week).
What We Offer
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
Opportunities to contribute to finance transformation and cost excellence in a leading life sciences organization
Global exposure and collaboration across multiple Business Platforms and finance functions
The full list of our global benefits can be found here: Lonza Benefits.
About Lonza
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With more than 30 sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion, and Integrity guide how we work and succeed together.
Everyone's ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. Lonza is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.
Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.