Head of Technical Operations Vionnaz

Head of Technical Operations Vionnaz (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

To drive our continuous organic growth, we are constantly looking for highly qualified professionals. We are seeking a highly skilled
Head of Technical Operations
, on Director level,for our Vionnaz site to drive innovation and operational excellence across our local development and manufacturing operations. In this strategic role, you will lead the execution of technical operations, process development, scale-up, and technology transfers for APIs and intermediates, ensuring alignment with local and global TechOPS strategies.

You will ensure robust process safety, validation, and regulatory compliance, while championing digitalization, and data-driven process optimization initiatives. As a key partner and interface with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and R&D, you will provide scientific guidance, manage laboratory and pilot-scale operations, and support CAPEX projects, enabling seamless integration of new products and technologies into commercial manufacturing.

In addition, you will play a pivotal role in audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions, while fostering a culture of innovation, safety, and technical leadership across the organization.

Your tasks:

• Lead technical operations across assigned domains, ensuring alignment with TechOPS strategy
• Lead development, scale-up, and transfer of chemical processes for APIs and intermediates
• Oversee laboratory, kilo, safety lab, and pilot-scale activities
• Provide scientific guidance on synthesis routes, identifying risks and recommending solutions
• Oversee troubleshooting, process optimization, and experimental lab support
• Drive product stewardship including technology transfers, new product introductions, and lifecycle management
• Maintain and improve technical documentation (CMC content, FMEAs, qualification protocols, SOPs)
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders including Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and R&D to ensure seamless technical integration
• Support CAPEX projects through technical input and execution oversight across different project phases
• Support Sales & Marketing in preparing proposals for New Chemical Entities (NCEs)
• Consult literature, databases, and patents to support process development
• Ensure readiness for audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions, including support to investigations into process deviations and implementationofCAPAs
• Champion automation and digitalization initiatives, promoting data mining, trending, and analytics to enhance process understanding and performance.
• Leadership:
  Manage a local team of about ten associates. Lead, mentor, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in technical operations
• Provide strategic oversight of product lifecycle management and technology transfer activities
• Drive process innovation, operational excellence, and organizational harmonization
• Drive changes in organizational design and capability building for future growth, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous learning across TechOPS
• Represent the Vionnaz site in internal and external forums, including technical conferences and workshops

Your profile:

• Minimum five years of GMP experience in pharmaceutical or CDMO/CMO industry
• At least five years in senior leadership roles within technical operations or manufacturing science
• Proven experience in managing change, complex technical organizations, and cross-functional teams
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing science, operational excellence, validation, and product lifecycle management
• Proven experience in troubleshooting, process optimization, and technical documentation
• Demonstrated ability to implement global standards in environments with varying levels of local maturity, ideally through matrix leadership and indirect stakeholder management
• University degree (Master or PhD) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field
• Strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry; expertise in peptide chemistry is a plus
• Strong background in organic synthesis with a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and technology transfer
• Expertise in GMP, validation, process safety, and regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies
• Experience in digital transformation and data-driven decision-making, such as ERP/MES systems and digital tools for process-data intelligence
• Language skills:
  Proficient in reading…