Thoratec Switzerland GmbH

Basel

EPD Director, Operations Strategy & Excellence and CMO

  • 10 August 2026
  • 100%
  • Permanent position
  • Basel

Job summary

Join a leading company as Director Operations Strategy & Excellence. Shape global operational strategies for profitability and growth.

Tasks

  • Lead strategic initiatives for margin and network optimization.
  • Manage $450MM+ in contract manufacturing and business development.
  • Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Skills

  • Bachelor's in Engineering, Science, or Business; MBA preferred.
  • 15+ years in operations or strategic leadership roles.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

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About the job

<strong>Job Requirements </strong><br><p>Primary Job Function</p><p>The Director Operations Strategy & Excellence and CMO is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the global operational strategy across EPD. This role integrates operational excellence, contract manufacturing, and strategic business development to drive profitability, efficiency, and long-term growth. </p><p>The incumbent will lead high-impact strategic initiatives like margin optimization, network optimization, continuous improvement projects carrying the relevant financial and operational goals on these initiatives. This role includes project management of critical and strategic initiatives, independent analysis / assessment of initiatives and the coordination / facilitation of corporate reporting.</p><p>The incumbent will also lead the Commercial Operations (Contract Manufacturing) business, managing $450MM+ in business through focus on business development, relationship management and supply assurance through collaboration with multi-functional internal teams.</p><p>Core Responsibilities</p><p>Strategic Leadership & Execution</p><p>• Own and deploy the Global Operational Excellence strategy across all EPD functions. </p><p>• Lead key strategic initiatives and continuous improvement programs focused on Gross margin improvements including manufacturing efficiency improvements, Product Right First-Time initiatives, Supply Chain and procurement optimization and excellence to contribute to operational excellence and alignment with EPD’s strategy</p><p>• Drive network optimization initiatives across EPD’s manufacturing sites to enhance operational agility, cost efficiency, and supply resilience.</p><p>• Identify and conduct detailed design of strategic / transformational initiatives and projects, bringing in best practices and insights from internal and external sources (market, competition and other industries) into the project design</p><p>• Assess and challenge all departmental processes with an eye towards innovation and continuous improvement. </p><p>• Together with functions and geographies, own the execution and delivery of chosen transformation projects and ensure regular problem solving, tracking and de-bottlenecking. </p><p>• Coordinate and facilitate corporate reporting of the strategic initiatives and business status</p><p>• Build up and maintain Operations Control Tower and ensure that processes meet and reflect EPD overall expectations, secure one set of numbers.</p><p>• Manage external benchmarking agencies – QYOBO, Gartner, Beroe for Ops organisation </p><p>Contract Manufacturing & Business Development</p><p>• Lead the Commercial Operations (Contract Manufacturing) unit, managing $450MM+ in business.</p><p>• Lead business development efforts, including deal assessments and long-term supply agreements.</p><p>• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, MS&T, and Supply Chain to evaluate and execute strategic deals.</p><p>• Develop and execute marketing and sales strategies for third-party manufacturing.</p><p>Supervisory Responsibilities</p><p>• Direct Reports: 1 - 2</p><p>• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and leadership teams across functions / BUs within Operations and Quality</p><p>Position Scope</p><p>• Division-wide impact across Operations, Quality</p><p>• Responsible for strategic results in profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction.</p><p>• Reports directly to DVP Operations, EPD.</p><br/><br><br><strong>Work Experience </strong><br><p>Qualifications</p><p>Education</p><p>• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business Management.</p><p>• Graduate from a reputed institute; MBA from a reputed institute highly preferred.</p><p>Experience</p><p>• 15+ years in operations, supply chain, or strategic leadership roles.</p><p>• Proven success in managing transitions, strategic initiatives, and cross-cultural teams.</p><p>• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.</p><p>• Ability to thrive in a matrixed, fast-paced global environment.</p><br/><br><br>

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