Head of MES & PI Competence Center (a), 80 - 100%

Bachem; Bubendorf; Hybrid; CHF 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company daycare on campus

Pension plan + extras

Benefits platform

Staff restaurant

Free sports activities

Job summary

Bachem in Bubendorf, Switzerland, seeks a Head of MES & PI Competence Center to lead our Digital Manufacturing agenda. This global role reports to Head of Operations IT and shapes strategy for MES and PI across the organization.

You will define roadmaps, govern partner ecosystems, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver measurable value while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Proven leadership in Digital Manufacturing applications.
• Experience with MES and PI systems (Körber PAS-X, AVEVA PI).
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to drive strategic IT roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain strategy and roadmap for Digital Manufacturing.
• Collaborate with units to manage demand and align solutions.
• Oversee implementation and operation of Digital Manufacturing solutions.
• Ensure IT service management and validation processes.
• Collaborate with PMs, IT, OT, SMEs to deliver value.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team; foster innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Problem solving

Team building

Change management

Collaboration

German language

English language

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Körber PAS-X

AVEVA PI

Job description

To support our continued growth and digital transformation, we are looking for a highly qualified leader to strengthen our Global IT Department as Head of MES & PI Competence Center (a), 80 - 100%. This global leadership role is pivotal in shaping the future of our Digital Manufacturing capabilities. Reporting to the Head of Operations IT and serving as a key member of the Digital Manufacturing Council, you define the strategic direction and ensure the sustainable evolution of our MES and PI landscape as a core enabler of operational excellence, scalability, and data-driven manufacturing. Together with our internal and external partners, you translate business priorities into a clear application roadmap, strengthen governance and partner ecosystems, and ensure that our Digital Manufacturing solutions create measurable value across the organization.

Your tasks:

• Define and maintain the application strategy and roadmap for the Digital Manufacturing landscape in alignment with business unit priorities, business objectives and the Bachem IT application strategy.
• Collaborate with business units to manage their demand, understand their requirements, ensure prioritization, and align solutions with business needs.
• Oversee the implementation and operation of Digital Manufacturing solutions, from planning and development to deployment, continuous improvement, and ongoing support.
• Ensure compliance with established processes for IT service management and computer system validation during application development, maintenance, and support.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, IT, OT, and business SMEs to ensure Digital Manufacturing projects deliver the expected value.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate, select, and manage third-party vendors and partners with the support of IT Operational Excellence and GRC.

Your profile

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field.
• Proven experience in a leadership role overseeing Digital Manufacturing applications and projects in a regulated pharmaceutical, chemical or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with MES, process historian, or shopfloor-related IT/OT applications such as Körber PAS-X or AVEVA PI.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Leadership: Inspire and guide teams towards achieving ambitious goals.
• Communication: Articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Address challenges with innovative and effective solutions.
• Prioritization: Ability to focus on activities that create measurable business value.
• Collaboration: Foster a collaborative, inclusive work environment and a can-do attitude.
• Adaptability: Navigate and lead through change in a dynamic business environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English and German skills.

Our offer:

• A key leadership role with global impact, offering the opportunity to shape our MES & PI Competence Center and drive the digital transformation of our manufacturing landscape
• A dynamic and rapidly growing work environment with internal development and training opportunities
• Flexible working hours with home office days and an option for obtaining additional vacation days through workload reduction
• Company‑run daycare center on the Bachem Campus in Bubendorf
• 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 benefits platforms with discounts from external partners
• Fresh, healthy and varied food in our staff restaurant
• A wide range of free sports activities on the Bachem Campus