Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Proclinical; Lausanne; On-site; CHF 220,000 - 340,000; Full time

Job summary

Proclinical is supporting a high-growth technology company seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead operational strategy across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and business operations in Lausanne, Switzerland. The role reports to the CEO and emphasizes scaling products, teams, and processes with hands-on execution.

Ideally, the candidate will have experience growing organisations, transforming operations, and managing external partner networks while maintaining strong commercial awareness

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading operations, manufacturing, supply chain, or business transformation.
• Track record scaling organisations through growth periods.
• Experience managing complex external partner networks.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
• Ability to balance executive leadership with hands-on execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s operational and manufacturing strategy.
• Build scalable systems, processes, and infrastructure to support growth.
• Establish key performance metrics and drive operational performance.
• Lead manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and quality functions.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and strategic partners.
• Oversee production scale-up and operational readiness.
• Build and develop high-performing operational teams.
• Partner with executive leadership to drive business growth and execution.

Skills

Operations leadership

Manufacturing

Supply chain

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Executive leadership

Communication

Job description

Are you experienced and looking for your next senior position where you can make a difference in technology operations?

Proclinical is working alongside a high-growth technology company who are entering a pivotal phase of commercial expansion. Having developed an innovative and differentiated technology platform, the business is now focused on scaling operations, strengthening its supply chain, and building the infrastructure required for long-term growth. As part of this journey, our client is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead operational strategy and execution across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and business operations.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will play a critical role in transforming an innovative technology business into a scalable, commercially successful organisation. This individual will work closely with leadership, engineering, commercial, and product teams to ensure operational excellence and support the company's next stage of growth.

The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on operational leadership, bringing experience scaling products, teams, and processes within dynamic business environments.

Please note that to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in this location or hold an EU passport.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the company’s operational and manufacturing strategy.
• Build scalable systems, processes, and infrastructure to support growth.
• Establish key performance metrics and drive operational performance.
• Lead manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and quality functions.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and strategic partners.
• Oversee production scale-up and operational readiness.
• Build and develop high-performing operational teams.
• Partner with executive leadership to drive business growth and execution.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Skills and Requirements:

• Significant experience leading operations, manufacturing, supply chain, or business transformation functions.
• A successful track record of scaling organisations through periods of growth.
• Experience managing complex operational environments and external partner networks.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
• The ability to balance executive leadership with hands-on execution.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within technology, engineering, manufacturing, industrial, electronics, or other innovation-led businesses.

What's on Offer

• Executive leadership role within a high-growth technology company.
• Opportunity to shape strategy and build operational capability during a key stage of growth.
• Significant influence on the future direction of the business.
• Competitive compensation package, including salary, bonus, and long-term incentives.

Location

This position is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Candidates should be willing to spend significant time on-site and within the local leadership team. Relocation support may be available for the successful candidate.