Global Program Head, VP (f/m/d) 100%

Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides. With over 50 years of experience and expertise Bachem provides products for research, clinical development and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services. Bachem operates internationally with headquarters in Switzerland and locations in Europe, the US and Asia. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For further information, see www.bachem.com.

To drive our continuous organic growth, we are constantly looking for highly qualified professionals. To strengthen our management, we are looking for a Global Program Head, VP (f/m/d) 100%.

As the Global Program Head for “Connect”, a program of high strategic importance to Bachem and utmost commercial importance, your primary responsibility will be to lead and manage all operative aspects of the program including capital investments in new large-scale equipment, the ramp-up of commercial production, and the products CMC life cycle (next generation processes).

This is a role with international reach across various functions and across several facilities in the USA and Switzerland. The Global Program Head leads the project managers of the engineering & operations project teams of the “Connect” CAPEX delivery projects at the different sites, works closely with the customer project teams, Bachem’s Strategic Alliance and Sales teams and reports directly to the global COO.

This role requires a strategic leader with a strong background in chemical manufacturing, project management, and global chemical operations.

Your tasks / Key responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Process Development

Develop and implement strategic plans for the timely construction and commissioning of chemical manufacturing lines in close collaboration with the user organization, engineering, and further functions including MSAT, Quality Engineering, and IT/OT.
Develop and implement strategic plans for the global transfer of chemical manufacturing processes developed by Bachem pR&D team.
Manage the life cycle plan of “Connect” in alignment with the customer.

Global Project Management

Lead cross-cultural and -functional teams involved in the manufacturing line construction, the development, scale-up, and transfer of chemical manufacturing processes across multiple global locations and ensure a production output meeting customer expectations and commercial plans.
Ensure seamless collaboration among engineering teams, ensuring alignment with project timelines and objectives.
Implement, and where required develop appropriate PM tools to monitor progress against tight timelines and within the allocated capital budget.

Technology Transfer

Develop and execute a comprehensive technology transfer strategy to ensure successful implementation of GMP qualified manufacturing processes in various global facilities.
Work closely with research and development teams to transfer innovations into scalable and efficient manufacturing processes.

Leadership of Operations and Engineering Teams

Provide strong leadership to respective Operations and Engineering project teams, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Together with the respective functional leaders oversee the recruitment, project allocation, training, performance management and development of talent.

Operational Excellence

Drive operational excellence by implementing best practices in project management, process engineering, and technology transfer.
Monitor and optimize key performance indicators related to operational efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that all global manufacturing processes comply with local, regional, and international regulatory standards including GMP.
Collaborate with regulatory affairs teams to navigate regulatory requirements and obtain necessary approvals.

Budget Management

Oversee financial aspects of these large-scale CAPEX projects for “Connect”, including budget development, tracking, and reporting.
Implement cost-effective strategies while maintaining high-quality standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including customer representatives, including executive leadership, regulatory bodies, and global site teams.
Provide regular updates and reports on project progress and key milestones.

Quality Assurance

Implement robust quality assurance programs to ensure the consistency and reliability of manufacturing processes globally.

Continuous Improvement

Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Operations and Engineering teams for “Connect”.
Evaluate and implement new technologies and methodologies to enhance process efficiency and product quality.

Your profile:

A degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree (MSc or PhD) preferred.
Proven excellent leadership experience (at least 15 years) with a track record in leadership roles within the chemical and/or life science industry.
Successful track record of overseeing and delivering large-scale CAPEX projects.
Proven track record in the development and global transfer of chemical manufacturing processes.
Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels and to collaborate across diverse teams.
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams.
In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations.
Strong knowledge of chemical manufacturing (small and large scale), supply chain management, and regulatory compliance.
Demonstrates ability for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities to navigate complex operational challenges that drive business growth and operational excellence.
Demonstrated ability to drive a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Fluent written and spoken English, Intermediate written and spoken German.

Would you like to drive innovation together with us?

We look forward to receiving your complete application documents via our application portal.

Learn more about the Bachem Group and get inspired by our exciting work environment at our location in Bubendorf.