Director Operation Upstream

We are currently partnering with a leading global bio-pharmaceutical manufacturer looking to hire a Director Operation in one of their major sites in Visp, Switzerland.

Functional lead for an interdisciplinary team of process engineers, specialists, shift team leads, manufacturing specialists and biotechnologists. Manage and support the operational activities of a manufacturing DSP unit with regard to safety, quality and on-time-in full delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and coach a multidisciplinary manufacturing team (process engineers, manufacturing specialists, shift leads, and biotechnologists), with overall responsibility for performance management, talent development, workforce planning, hiring, and employee relations
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of DSP manufacturing operations, delivering production campaigns in line with safety, quality, GMP, and customer requirements
  Drive operational excellence by managing performance metrics, resolving manufacturing issues, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and promoting process standardization and
  innovation across the production organization
• Oversee resource and capacity planning, training strategy, and implementation of new technologies to ensure operational readiness and sustainable business performance
• Provide strong cross-functional leadership and communication, ensuring effective information flow, escalation management, and collaboration with MSAT, Production Support, QA, USP Operations, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as the manufacturing representative during customer meetings, audits, and regulatory inspections, ensuring ongoing compliance and inspection readiness
• Maintain technical and quality oversight through approval of change controls, risk assessments, workplace inspections, and implementation of GMP documentation within the manufacturing unit
• Act as a key member of the Manufacturing Leadership Team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while supporting overall site objectives and operational performance.
• Support capital investment and facility expansion projects as the manufacturing subject matter expert, contributing to facility design, commissioning, qualification, automation, and operational readiness.
• Act as deputy to the Head of Operations, ensuring leadership continuity and effective decision-making when required

Key Requirements:

• MSc or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in both English and German.
• 10+ years of experience in biotechnological manufacturing (e.g., Production Biotechnologist, Bioprocess Engineer).
• Demonstrated agility and adaptability, with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to effectively lead and support change initiatives
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align objectives to organizational strategy, make informed decisions, and identify operational and financial improvement opportunities
• Proven collaboration skills, including the ability to build effective cross-functional partnerships, share knowledge, and foster an inclusive work environment
• Customer-focused approach with experience understanding stakeholder needs, managing relationships, and driving continuous improvement through insights and data
• Results-oriented professional with a track record of delivering against KPIs, managing competing priorities, securing stakeholder buy-in, and ensuring high-quality outcomes
• Effective leadership capabilities, including accountability, integrity, coaching and development of others, and fostering open communication, safety, and sustainability within teams

NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates must have the right to work in Switzerland (e.g., EU citizens or valid Swiss work permit)