Specialist, Strategy & Operational Excellence

Client Description

For one of our clients, a leading global biotechnology company located in the greater Lucerne area, we are currently seeking a Senior Specialist, Strategy & Operational Excellence (m/f/d) to join a state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility supporting early clinical development programs.

This innovative manufacturing site specializes in the development and production of biologic drug substances for clinical programs and technology innovation initiatives. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality medicines through advanced manufacturing technologies, operational excellence, digital innovation, and a strong culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated Senior Specialist, Strategy & Operational Excellence (m/f/d) to support strategic initiatives, operational excellence programs, and digital transformation activities within a GMP-regulated biotechnology manufacturing environment.

In this role, you will work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Technical Operations, EHS, and other cross-functional stakeholders to drive process simplification, performance improvement, and operational excellence initiatives. You will leverage data analytics, KPI management, and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance site performance, support strategic planning activities, and strengthen operational effectiveness across the organization.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce complexity, and improve operational performance.
• Lead and facilitate Lean, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence projects across manufacturing and business processes.
• Establish and standardize best practices, workflows, and governance models across site operations.
• Support strategic planning activities and help align improvement initiatives with site and network objectives.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement through coaching, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement.

Performance Management & Digital Enablement

• Develop, monitor, and govern site Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to support data-driven decision-making.
• Create and maintain dashboards, automated reporting solutions, and business intelligence tools to improve operational visibility.
• Analyze operational and performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support digital transformation initiatives and the implementation of innovative technologies, automation solutions, and digital workflows.
• Collaborate with technical and business stakeholders to translate operational requirements into effective digital solutions.

Operational Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support integrated planning processes to improve resource utilization, schedule adherence, and manufacturing performance.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, EHS, and Learning & Development teams to implement sustainable improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops, problem-solving sessions, and performance reviews.
• Contribute to capacity planning, operational readiness assessments, and long-term site planning initiatives.
• Promote knowledge management and facilitate the sharing of best practices across the broader biologics network.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all activities are executed in compliance with GMP, EHS, and internal quality requirements.
• Support the review, development, and approval of GMP-related documentation.
• Maintain inspection readiness and ensure improvement initiatives are aligned with applicable quality systems and procedures.
• Promote a strong safety culture and support EHS initiatives throughout the organization.

Your Profile:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Data Analytics, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Operations, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• Several years of experience in Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Operations, Data Analytics, Performance Management, or Digital Transformation.
• Experience working within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and generate actionable insights.
• Experience developing KPIs, dashboards, and business performance reporting frameworks.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of GMP regulations, quality systems, and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Professional communication skills in English; German skills are considered an advantage.

Must haves:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Data Analytics, Operational Excellence, Biotechnology, Business Operations, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
• Advanced experience with Power BI, Spotfire, Tableau, or similar business intelligence platforms.
• Experience with data governance, automated reporting, and digital workflow implementation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing planning, scheduling, capacity management, and performance optimization.
• Experience in biologics manufacturing, technology transfer, or clinical supply environments.
• Exposure to automation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, or low-code development platforms.
• Experience leading large-scale operational excellence or digital transformation projects.

Additional Information

• Location: Lucerne Area
• Contract Duration: 12-month contract position with possibility of extension
• Employment Type: Temporary Staffing
• Work Model: 100% Onsite
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week

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