Director of Technical Operations (Pharma)

Bachem; Bubendorf; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Flexible hours

Daycare

Pension plan

Discount platform

Staff restaurant

Sports activities

Job summary

Bachem in Bubendorf, Switzerland, seeks a Local Head of Technical Operations to lead multiple technical domains, ensuring high-quality execution, GMP compliance, and alignment with global standards at the site.

You will manage domain leads and technical experts, drive process optimization, technology transfer, lifecycle management, and digitalization initiatives, while providing strong on-site leadership and strategic input to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 10+ years in GMP pharma/CDMO with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record leading large technical organizations and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical operations across multiple domains, aligning local priorities with global TechOps strategy and business objectives
• Manage and develop teams of technical experts and domain leads, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Oversee troubleshooting, process optimization, validation, process safety, and technical support for manufacturing operations
• Drive product stewardship, technology transfers, new product introductions, lifecycle management, and technical input to CAPEX projects
• Technical Operations responsibility for customer NCE projects, including regular customer interaction and participation in project steering committees
• Support digitalization and automation initiatives, including OT systems, process simulations, and data analytics
• Ensure GMP, regulatory, and technical readiness, including documentation, audits, inspections, and submissions
• Strong on-site presence and support
• Shape strategic direction, make high-impact decisions, and influence senior stakeholders across functions, sites, and matrix organizations
• Contribute to the ramp-up of the TechOps organization at the site, ensuring operational readiness and alignment with future harmonization efforts

Skills

Leadership and people mgmt

Change management

Digitalization

Strategic thinking

German & English fluency

MS Office proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master’s or PhD in Chemistry/Engineering/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

SAP

MES

Production planning systems

Data analytics tools

MS Office

Job description

Bachem in Bubendorf, Switzerland, seeks a Local Head of Technical Operations to lead multiple technical domains, ensuring high-quality execution, GMP compliance, and alignment with global standards at the site.

You will manage domain leads and technical experts, drive process optimization, technology transfer, lifecycle management, and digitalization initiatives, while providing strong on-site leadership and strategic input to senior stakeholders.