Director R&D Operational Excellence & Performance (m/f/d)

Fresenius; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA is seeking an experienced leader to drive R&D performance management and operational excellence across global functions in Spain. You will define KPIs, dashboards, and governance structures, while enabling data-driven decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.

Strong cross-functional collaboration and change management capabilities are essential. The role requires a deep understanding of R&D processes, compliance, and global matrix organizations, with a track

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree in life science; biotechnology is a plus.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is mandatory.
• Project management certification is a strong asset.
• Hands-on experience with compliance and quality systems; Gx certified is a plus.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a comprehensive R&D performance framework with KPIs, metrics and dashboards across functions.
• Establish tracking of deliverables, milestones, timelines, cost, and quality indicators.
• Enable regular performance reporting to leadership for informed decision making.
• Lead diagnostics and design end-to-end process re-engineering to improve cycle times and quality.
• Drive standardization while maintaining project-specific flexibility and adoption of Lean Six Sigma.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Change management

Education

Advanced scientific degree in life science

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Project Management certification

Tools

Quality & Compliance Systems

Job description

LOCATION: SWITZERLAND OR SPAIN

MAIN TASKS:

Performance Management & KPIs

• Define and implement a comprehensive R&D performance framework, including KPIs, metrics, and dashboards across all functions;

• Establish clear tracking of deliverables, milestones, timelines, cost, and quality indicators;

• Enable transparency and fact-based decision-making through regular performance reporting to leadership;

• Monitor portfolio execution performance and identify risks and mitigation actions.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead structured diagnostics of R&D processes (As-Is / To-Be) including value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and identification of inefficiencies;

• Design and implement end-to-end process re-engineering initiatives to simplify workflows, reduce cycle times, and improve quality;

• Drive standardization across functions while enabling flexibility for project-specific needs;

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across R&D using Lean Six Sigma and other operational excellence methodologies;

• Lead cross-functional optimization programs to enhance productivity, speed, and quality of development.

Process & Operating Model Optimization

• Design, harmonize, and optimize end-to-end R&D processes across CMC, Clinical, Regulatory, Device, Project Management and Medical Affairs;

• Provide input and recommendations on R&D operating models, governance structures, and ways of working;

• Ensure alignment between global processes and local execution.

Tools & Digital Enablement

• Assess and optimize R&D tools and systems supporting planning, tracking, and execution;

• Drive adoption of digital tools and data management solutions to enhance performance visibility and collaboration;

• Ensure integration and consistency of tools across functions.

Change Management & Culture

• Drive a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement across R&D;

• Support change management initiatives linked to transformation programs (e.g., ACE, Rejuvenate);

• Build capabilities within teams in operational excellence methodologies.

QUALIFICATION PROFILE:

Education & Languages

• Advanced scientific degree in life science. Biotechnology is a plus;

• Lean six sigma black belt (mandatory);

• Project Management certification (a strong asset);

• Hands on experience with compliance and quality systems. Literate / Gx certified is a plus;

• Fluent in English (written, spoken), additional languages are an asset.

Professional Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in biopharma/biotech R&D, including cross-functional exposure (CMC, Clinical, Regulatory, or PM);

• Proven experience in operational excellence, performance management, or transformation roles within R&D organizations;

• Strong track record in implementing KPIs, dashboards, and performance governance frameworks;

• Demonstrated experience in process optimization and end-to-end value stream improvement;

• Experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement programs;

• Solid understanding of drug development lifecycle and regulatory requirements;

• Experience working in global, matrix organizations.

Personal Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven mindset;

• Ability to translate complex operational challenges into actionable improvement plans;

• High level of ownership and results orientation;

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across seniority levels;

• Strong communication and facilitation skills;

• Ability to work across functions and drive alignment in a matrix environment;

• Change agent with the ability to drive transformation and cultural shift.