Head of Technical Operations Vionnaz (f/m/d), 100%

To drive our continuous organic growth, we are constantly looking for highly qualified professionals. We are seeking a highly skilled Head of Technical Operations, on Director level, for our Vionnaz site to drive innovation and operational excellence across our local development and manufacturing operations. In this strategic role, you will lead the execution of technical operations, process development, scale-up, and technology transfers for APIs and intermediates, ensuring alignment with local and global TechOPS strategies.

You will ensure robust process safety, validation, and regulatory compliance, while championing digitalization, and data-driven process optimization initiatives. As a key partner and interface with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and R&D, you will provide scientific guidance, manage laboratory and pilot-scale operations, and support CAPEX projects, enabling seamless integration of new products and technologies into commercial manufacturing.

In addition, you will play a pivotal role in audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions, while fostering a culture of innovation, safety, and technical leadership across the organization.

Your tasks:

• Lead technical operations across assigned domains, ensuring alignment with TechOPS strategy
• Lead development, scale-up, and transfer of chemical processes for APIs and intermediates
• Oversee laboratory, kilo, safety lab, and pilot-scale activities
• Provide scientific guidance on synthesis routes, identifying risks and recommending solutions
• Oversee troubleshooting, process optimization, and experimental lab support
• Drive product stewardship including technology transfers, new product introductions, and lifecycle management
• Maintain and improve technical documentation (CMC content, FMEAs, qualification protocols, SOPs)
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders including Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and R&D to ensure seamless technical integration
• Support CAPEX projects through technical input and execution oversight across different project phases
• Support Sales & Marketing in preparing proposals for New Chemical Entities (NCEs)
• Consult literature, databases, and patents to support process development
• Ensure readiness for audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions, including support to investigations into process deviations and implementation of CAPAs
• Champion automation and digitalization initiatives, promoting data mining, trending, and analytics to enhance process understanding and performance.
• Leadership: Manage a local team of about ten associates. Lead, mentor, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in technical operations
• Provide strategic oversight of product lifecycle management and technology transfer activities
• Drive process innovation, operational excellence, and organizational harmonization
• Drive changes in organizational design and capability building for future growth, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous learning across TechOPS
• Represent the Vionnaz site in internal and external forums, including technical conferences and workshops 

Your profile:

• Minimum five years of GMP experience in pharmaceutical or CDMO/CMO industry
• At least five years in senior leadership roles within technical operations or manufacturing science
• Proven experience in managing change, complex technical organizations, and cross-functional teams
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing science, operational excellence, validation, and product lifecycle management
• Proven experience in troubleshooting, process optimization, and technical documentation
• Demonstrated ability to implement global standards in environments with varying levels of local maturity, ideally through matrix leadership and indirect stakeholder management
• University degree (Master or PhD) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field
• Strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry; expertise in peptide chemistry is a plus
• Strong background in organic synthesis with a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and technology transfer
• Expertise in GMP, validation, process safety, and regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies
• Experience in digital transformation and data-driven decision-making, such as ERP/MES systems and digital tools for process-data intelligence
• Language skills: Proficient in reading and writing in French and English, German is a strong asset
• IT skills: Proficient use of standard software (e.g. MS Office), Document Management Systems: Experienced in using MasterControl for reading, editing, GMP-compliant documentation and workflows. Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (SAP). Data analytics tools (statistical analysis)

Our offer:

• A dynamic and rapidly growing work environment with internal development opportunities
• Flexible working hours with home office days and an option for obtaining additional vacation days through workload reduction
• Employee development through numerous internal and external training opportunities
• 60% coverage of pension fund contributions by Bachem AG as well as option for extra-mandatory pension provision with our Pension Plan Plus
• Access to the 'Swibeco' and 'Brands for Employees' benefits platform with discounts from external partners

Would you like to drive innovation together with us?

We look forward to receiving your complete application documents via our application portal.

Learn more about the Bachem Group and get inspired by our exciting work environment at our location in Vionnaz!