Head of Technical Operations Bubendorf (a) 100%

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

To drive our continuous organic growth, we are always looking for highly qualified professionals. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a committed Local Head of Technical Operations at our headquarters in Bubendorf (a), 100%.

The Head of Technical Operations (a) 100% is responsible for leading key technical domains within the local Technical Operations organization, ensuring high-quality execution in alignment with global standards and local strategic priorities. This role supports the Global Head of Technical Operations in building and managing a robust technical foundation at the site, with a strong focus on the implementation of new chemical entities (NCEs), innovation, and compliance. This role acts as a senior leader within the site leadership team, managing domain leads and technical experts across multiple functions such as troubleshooting, process optimization, product stewardship, validation, and technical documentation.

Your tasks

• 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

Your profile

• Master’s or PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or CDMO environment, including at least 5 years in senior leadership within Technical Operations, Manufacturing Science, or a comparable function
• Extensive expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology transfer, process optimization, validation, process safety, operational excellence, and product lifecycle management
• Proven track record in leading complex technical organizations and cross-functional teams, including experience with matrix leadership and influencing senior stakeholders without formal authority
• Strong experience in transformation, digitalization, automation, and data-driven decision-making, with the ability to implement global standards across organizations with different levels of maturity
• Strategic and enterprise-oriented mindset, combined with strong decision-making skills and the ability to balance business priorities, operational needs, quality, compliance, and risk in complex environments
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop talent, build strong leadership teams, align diverse stakeholders, and lead effectively through change and ambiguity
• Fluent in German and English
• Strong proficiency in MS Office and relevant technical systems such as SAP, MES, production planning, and data analytics tools

Our offer

• 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