Director QA & Production Management

headcount | recruitment driven by science; Zürich; On-site; CHF 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

HEADCOUNT | RECRUITMENT DRIVEN BY SCIENCE is seeking a Director of Quality Assurance & Production Management to own the global QA and production strategy in Switzerland. You will oversee international teams, drive regulatory compliance, and manage external manufacturing partners to ensure quality and efficiency.

The role requires extensive leadership across regulated manufacturing environments, with travel up to 50% across European sites.

Qualifications

• Degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Extensive leadership experience in pharmaceutical production operations and Quality Assurance.
• Strong hands-on manufacturing background and international network experience.
• Proven experience with CDMOs, external manufacturing partners, technology transfers.
• Deep knowledge of GMP, GDP, ISO 13485; QMS experience; QP or Deputy QP is desirable.
• Fluency in German and English; willingness to travel ~50% across European sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead global Quality Assurance and Production Management across international teams.
• Define and implement global quality and compliance strategies across sites.
• Oversee and improve the QMS, including deviations, CAPAs, change control, audits.
• Manage external manufacturing partners and CDMOs with supplier qualification.
• Drive technology transfers, process optimization, validations, and new product integrations.
• Lead regulatory inspections and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Global leadership

QA/Production management

GMP/GDP/ISO13485 knowledge

Regulatory compliance

CDMO management

QMS management

Strategic improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Pharmacy or Life Sciences degree

Job description

Director Quality Assurance & Production Management (100%)

Our client is an established Swiss pharmaceutical company with an international presence, specializing in prescription and OTC products in gynecology, dermatology, and phlebology. In addition to strengthening their international operations, they’re looking for an experienced leader to take full ownership of Quality Assurance and Production Management, driving strategic improvements and operational performance, based in Switzerland. Their global manufacturing network requires robust quality standards, efficient production processes, and close collaboration with external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead global Quality Assurance and Production Management, overseeing international teams, resource planning, budgets, KPIs, and operational performance.
• Define and implement global quality and compliance strategies, ensuring adherence to GMP, GDP, ISO 13485, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including deviations, CAPAs, change control, audits, risk management, and quality investigations.
• Manage external manufacturing partners and CDMOs, ensuring supplier qualification, quality agreements, manufacturing compliance, and operational excellence.
• Drive technology transfers, manufacturing transfers, process optimization, validations, and the integration of new products and production partners.
• Lead regulatory inspections, continuous improvement initiatives, and manufacturing expansion activities.

Requirements

• Degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Extensive leadership experience combining pharmaceutical production operations and Quality Assurance within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong hands‑on manufacturing background, including production processes, operational management, and international manufacturing networks.
• Proven experience managing CDMOs, external manufacturing partners, technology transfers, and complex quality and compliance processes.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, GDP, ISO 13485, and QMS requirements; Qualified Person (QP) certification or relevant Deputy QP experience is highly desirable.
• Fluency in German and English, strong international leadership capabilities, and willingness to travel approximately 50% across European sites.