Head of Downstream Processing Manufacturing Operation / Head of Downstream Processing Manufacturing Operation

About CTC

CTC is a specialized search and recruitment partner for the Life Sciences industry, serving clients and candidates since 1997. We enable careers by connecting talented professionals with meaningful opportunities, and we support our clients in engaging, retaining, and developing the right talent when needed.

About the Role

Our client, a global market leader in the production and process support of active pharmaceutical ingredients in both the chemical and biotechnology sectors, is recruiting for a talented Head of Downstream Processing (DSP) Manufacturing Operation based in Visp, Switzerland. This position is for an initial 6-month contract with high chances of extension.

Head of Downstream Processing (DSP) Manufacturing Operation – 7081

The Head of Downstream Processing (DSP) Manufacturing Operation will serve as a Functional Lead for an interdisciplinary team of process engineers, specialists, shift team leads, manufacturing specialists, and biotechnologists. The successful candidate will manage and support the operational activities of a manufacturing DSP unit while ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery, being accountable for performance and results in the DSP area. This role involves being a member of the Manufacturing Leadership Team.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and coach a multidisciplinary manufacturing team, ensuring effective performance management, talent development, workforce planning, hiring, and employee relations.
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of DSP manufacturing operations, delivering production campaigns aligned with safety, quality, GMP, and customer requirements.
• Drive operational excellence by managing performance metrics, resolving manufacturing issues, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and promoting process standardization and innovation across the production organization.
• Oversee resource and capacity planning, training strategy, and implementation of new technologies to ensure operational readiness and sustainable business performance.
• Provide strong cross-functional leadership and communication, ensuring effective information flow, escalation management, and collaboration with MSAT, Production Support, QA, USP Operations, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as the manufacturing representative during customer meetings, audits, and regulatory inspections, ensuring ongoing compliance and inspection readiness.
• Maintain technical and quality oversight through the approval of change controls, risk assessments, workplace inspections, and implementation of GMP documentation within the manufacturing unit.
• Act as a key member of the Manufacturing Leadership Team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while supporting overall site objectives and operational performance.
• Support capital investment and facility expansion projects as the manufacturing subject matter expert, contributing to facility design, commissioning, qualification, automation, and operational readiness.
• Act as deputy to the Head of Operations, ensuring leadership continuity and effective decision-making when required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant Swiss working/residency permit and/or Swiss/EU Citizenship required.
• MSc or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in biotechnological manufacturing (e.g., Production Biotechnologist, Bioprocess Engineer).
• Demonstrated agility and adaptability, with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to effectively lead and support change initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align objectives to organizational strategy, make informed decisions, and identify operational and financial improvement opportunities.
• Proven collaboration skills, including the ability to build effective cross-functional partnerships, share knowledge, and foster an inclusive work environment.
• Customer-focused approach with experience understanding stakeholder needs, managing relationships, and driving continuous improvement through insights and data.
• Results-oriented professional with a track record of delivering against KPIs, managing competing priorities, securing stakeholder buy-in, and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Effective leadership capabilities, including accountability, integrity, coaching and development of others, and fostering open communication, safety, and sustainability within teams.
• Fluent in English with a minimum B2 level in German.

How to Apply

If you are interested in learning more about CTC and this opportunity, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.