Technical Supplier Manager-925374

ITech Consult; Risch-Rotkreuz; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ITech Consult seeks a Technical Supplier Manager skilled in manufacturing transfer engineering, process design, industrialization, and SPC/MSA analysis. The role emphasizes external-to-external transfers, DFx integration with R&D, and robust project governance across cross-functional teams.

You will lead PFMEA activities, manage supplier qualifications, and optimize processes for precision instruments within a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• University degree in a technical field (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Process/Industrial Engineering).
• Strong SPC, Cpk, MSA, and pFMEA knowledge with practical application.
• Experience leading external technology transfers and line ramp-ups.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and industrialize manufacturing and testing processes for instrument components and precision assemblies.
• Define validation strategies (IQ/OQ/PQ) and establish Cp/Cpk baselines and Gage R&R.
• Collaborate with R&D to embed DfX principles into product designs and drive yield improvements.
• Lead PFMEA, error-proofing controls, and root-cause investigations to mitigate risks.
• Steer end-to-end technology transfers between contract manufacturers and suppliers; manage project governance and milestones.
• Monitor supplier performance, conduct supplier evaluations, and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Statistical process control (SPC)

Cp/Cpk analysis

Measurement systems analysis (MSA)

pFMEA

Design for Manufacturing (DfX)

External-to-External technology trans.

Project leadership

Education

University degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics or related field

Job description

Technical Supplier Manager: Manufacturing Transfer Engineer/Process Design / Industrialization / DFX / Process Design/ Stewardship / Project Governance Operations Support / statistical process control (SPC)/ capability studies (Cpk) / measurement systems analysis / English / Deutsch

Background:

The Perfect Candidate possesses a relevant technical degree and demonstrated expertise in statistical process control and project leadership, specifically in external technology transfers and line ramp-ups. Additionally, strong knowledge of precision manufacturing technologies and production cost optimization is required.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Process Design & Industrialization (Core Activity)

• Process Architecture & Development: Actively design, optimize, and industrialize robust manufacturing and testing processes for instrument components, electronics, and precision assemblies across the external supply base
• Process Capability & Validation: Define process validation strategies (IQ/OQ/PQ), design verification protocols, and establish process capability baselines (Cp/Cpk analysis, tolerance studies, and Gage R&R)
• Design for Excellence (DfX): Partner closely with R&D during early product development to embed Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, and Testability principles into component designs, preventing manufacturing bottlenecks and driving yield optimization
• Process Risk & Mitigation: Lead process failure mode and effects analysis (pFMEA), establish poka-yoke (error-proofing) controls, and drive root-cause investigations to engineer out process vulnerabilities

Technical Project Leadership & External-to-External (E2E) Transfers

• Lead Technology Transfers: Steer end-to-end technical transfers between external contract manufacturers and suppliers (External-to-External), including production line relocations, tool duplications, and second-source qualifications
• Project Governance & Milestones: Establish qualification master plans (QMPs), define project schedules, align critical milestones, and report progress transparently to cross-functional leadership within MSAT and GIN
• Cross-Partner Synchronization: Lead technical alignment and change control across originating sites, receiving supplier facilities, Global Sourcing, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs

Technical Supplier Stewardship & Operations Support

• Supplier Performance & Monitoring: Monitor supplier process stability, technical KPIs, and component quality trends across the complete instrument lifecycle
• Deviation Handling & SCARs: Lead technical problem-solving teams (8D, Ishikawa, 5-Why) for component deviations; resolve Supplier Corrective Action Requests sustainably
• Supplier Technical Assessments: Conduct technical evaluations and audits of potential and existing suppliers as part of the formal supplier qualification process
• Operations Projects: Steer supplier-side engineering changes (without spec change), capacity expansions, and continuous line stabilization initiatives

Must Haves:

• A University degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or Higher Technical Diploma) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field
• At least 5–6+ years of relevant industry experience in manufacturing process design, technical supplier management, industrialization, or manufacturing engineering, ideally within medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics (IVD), pharmaceuticals, or precision high-tech equipment
• Process Design Expertise: Proven hands‑on track record in designing, qualifying, and optimizing manufacturing and test processes. Strong command of statistical process control (SPC), capability studies (Cpk), measurement systems analysis (MSA), and pFMEA
• Technical Project Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in complex technical projects, specifically external-to-external technology transfers, second-sourcing initiatives, or major line ramp-ups. Formal PM certification (PMP, IPMA, Agile) is an asset
• Manufacturing Technologies: Deep technical understanding of precision manufacturing technologies (e.g., injection molding, precision mechanics/machining, electronics assembly, automated testing) along with an understanding of production cost drivers and cycle time optimization
• Regulatory & Quality Standards: Practical knowledge of ISO 13485, GMP/FDA regulations, process validation frameworks (IQ/OQ/PQ), and formal change management procedures
• Mindset & Communication: Pragmatic, innovative problem solver with a "think-out-of-the-box" attitude and strong intercultural stakeholder management and communication skills
• Languages & Mobility: Professional fluency in English and German (written and spoken). Willingness to travel globally (approx. 20–30%) for supplier on-site process reviews, audits, and transfer milestones