From the Ground Up: Excellence is Not a Skill, It is an Attitude
A globally emerging company operating at the intersection of advanced materials science and human health is executing a defining strategic move: transferring highly complex, vertically integrated manufacturing capability from East Asia to Europe, with Switzerland as its chosen base. This initiative is driven by supply chain conviction rather than cost, representing a greenfield build of genuine organizational and technical ambition. We are seeking to find the individual who will not inherit a running operation, but will lead the creation of the next one as:
VP, Advanced Materials Manufacturing — Switzerland
Role Overview
Our client supplies highly engineered materials to mission-critical production facilities across its global network. This greenfield initiative is part of a broader strategic program to regionalize supply chains and establish sovereign manufacturing capability within core markets. The Vice President, Advanced Materials Manufacturing will serve as the founding site executive, responsible for establishing the facility, building the organization, and achieving full operational and compliance certification. This is a rare opportunity to leave a defining legacy in European advanced manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Site Establishment & Manufacturing Leadership
- Lead all aspects of greenfield site development: location assessment, infrastructure build-out, equipment qualification, and operational ramp-up.
- Develop and execute the long-term manufacturing strategy aligned with global supply requirements and capacity roadmap.
- Establish production planning, scheduling, and resource frameworks to meet commercial targets from first production.
- Drive technology integration, automation, and digital manufacturing initiatives from day one.
- Set and enforce the highest standards of operational discipline, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability.
- Quality Systems & Compliance
- Design and implement a world-class quality management system compliant with applicable international standards and the Swiss regulatory framework (Swissmedic).
- Establish all SOPs, documentation architecture, and quality controls for in-process and finished material release.
- Lead root-cause analysis, CAPA, and quality risk management disciplines across all operations.
- Oversee supplier qualification and ongoing supply quality management.
- Regulatory Affairs
- Develop and execute the regulatory strategy to achieve and maintain compliance with Swiss, European, and international requirements applicable to precision-manufactured materials.
- Lead engagement with Swiss and European regulatory authorities throughout the site establishment and certification process.
- Oversee preparation of technical documentation, regulatory submissions, and all authority-facing deliverables.
- Monitor the evolving international regulatory landscape and ensure timely implementation within site operations.
- Cross-Functional & Executive Leadership
- Build, lead, and develop the manufacturing, quality, and regulatory functions — attracting and retaining talent in a greenfield context.
- Partner with R&D, global supply chain, commercial, and finance leadership to align site capabilities with business priorities.
- Represent the site at group executive level and contribute to global strategic planning.
- Champion a culture of scientific rigor, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Performance & Financial Management
- Define and manage KPIs across manufacturing performance, quality outcomes, and regulatory compliance.
- Hold full P&L accountability for the site, ensuring cost discipline and budget adherence.
- Maintain compliance with all EHS regulations applicable to the manufacturing environment.
Candidate Profile
Academic Background
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
Experience
- A minimum of 20 years' experience in senior manufacturing leadership roles within highly regulated production environments.
- Demonstrated progression to VP or equivalent executive accountability including full P&L and regulatory responsibility.
- Proven hands-on experience establishing a greenfield regulated manufacturing facility, from site selection and authority engagement through GMP or equivalent certification to operational ramp-up.
- Demonstrated accountability for quality assurance, quality control, and regulatory affairs functions at an enterprise or global level.
- Experience operating within or alongside the Swiss regulatory environment (Swissmedic) and familiarity with European frameworks is required.
- Significant experience navigating the Chinese regulatory landscape and direct engagement with the NMPA (National Medical Products Administration).
- Demonstrated experience managing and qualifying Asian-based supply chain partners at operational and quality levels.
Languages
- Full professional fluency in English — required.
- Native-level Mandarin Chinese — required.
Why This Requirement Profile Is Specific
The unique criteria of this role combine Swiss/European greenfield site leadership, Swissmedic and EU regulatory authority engagement, and fluent Mandarin with direct NMPA experience. The company has determined that this profile does not exist within its current global organization, making an external search the only viable path forward.
In Summary
- Location: Switzerland (site location TBC with accessibility for supply chain logistics as a key consideration).
- Reporting: Group C-Suite.
- Engagement: Exclusive retained mandate; interested candidates and inquiries will be treated in strict confidence.
Have We Captured Your Interest?
If so, we invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Contact Information
Ramon Bodenmiller
Managing Director | Headhunter
Bösch 21
6331 Hünenberg
Tel. +41 41 741 99 99
bewerbung@bodenmiller.ch
About Us
Bodenmiller Recruitment GmbH specializes in Talent Acquisition & Executive Search for the Life Sciences, Engineering & IT industries. We recruit and attract employees locally and internationally, whether at specialist or managerial levels. Additionally, we offer services for staff/body leasing, interim management, payrolling, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO).