Chief Operating Officer: European Sterilization Leader

IONISOS Group; Limonest; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Ionisos is seeking a dynamic COO to head Operations and join its Executive Committee. This role will oversee operations across 10 sites, drive operational excellence, and strengthen cross‑department collaboration.

The COO will manage a ~250‑person team and report to the CEO to align operations with Ionisos’ growth trajectory. Responsibilities include setting productivity targets, maintaining high safety standards, and delivering a group-wide manufacturing excellence program.

Qualifications

• 15+ years' experience leading operations (manufacturing, supply chain, logistics) in an industrial life sciences context
• Proven track record sustaining and improving operational performance under high quality and regulatory constraints
• Strong HSE background with experience deploying continuous improvement/operational excellence programs
• Experience leading industrial projects (new sites, capacity extensions, greenfield) is a plus
• Strong people leadership with multisite and multicultural team management
• Strategic vision paired with results-driven mindset and stakeholder relationship skills
• Fluent English; French/German/Spanish a plus
• Sterilization experience is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead IONISOS’ European site network, ensuring safe, high‑quality sterilization delivered efficiently and cost‑effectively
• Own group operational performance, set targets for productivity and capacity, and ensure accountability
• Manage the group's KPI framework across all sites and adapt to business needs
• Act as senior sponsor for key client relationships and ensure excellent customer service
• Ensure sites have resources, skills, and tools to meet targets and comply with legal/regulatory requirements
• Lead the HSE strategy for the group with ambition of zero accidents
• Direct the Continuous Improvement Director on a manufacturing excellence program with measurable goals
• Head the Industrial Projects Team to expand capacity and open/ramp up new sites
• Arbitrate project priorities and investments, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery
• Present operational performance, project progress, and actions at Board meetings

Job description

Ionisos is seeking a dynamic COO to head Operations and join its Executive Committee. This role will oversee operations across 10 sites, drive operational excellence, and strengthen cross‑department collaboration.

The COO will manage a ~250‑person team and report to the CEO to align operations with Ionisos’ growth trajectory. Responsibilities include setting productivity targets, maintaining high safety standards, and delivering a group-wide manufacturing excellence program.