Chief Operating Officer

Global Industrial Operations | Machine Tool Industry | Switzerland
Our client is a well-established international industrial technology group with manufacturing operations across Europe and Asia. The company develops and produces highly engineered capital equipment solutions for demanding global markets and is recognized for its technological expertise, operational know-how, and international customer base.
To strengthen the global leadership team, we are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial executive as:
Chief Operating Officer (m/f/d)
Based in Switzerland, this executive leadership role carries full responsibility for global operations, supply chain performance, manufacturing excellence, and operational transformation across multiple international production sites.
The position reports directly to the CEO and is a key member of the executive management team.
Your Responsibilities
Global Operations Leadership
Lead and further develop international manufacturing and operations across sites in Switzerland, Taiwan, and China.
Ensure operational excellence regarding quality, delivery reliability, productivity, and cost competitiveness.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the entire value chain, including production, assembly, logistics, and supply chain management.
Establish and monitor operational KPIs to ensure performance transparency and sustainable improvement.
Supply Chain & Procurement
Oversee global sourcing, procurement, supplier management, and logistics activities.
Strengthen supplier quality, delivery performance, and long-term strategic partnerships.
Develop resilient international supply chain structures with a strong focus on efficiency, scalability, and risk management.
Implement cost optimization initiatives while maintaining high quality and innovation standards.
Strategic & Organizational Development
Contribute actively to the strategic development of the company together with the CEO and executive leadership team.
Translate corporate objectives into scalable and high-performing operational structures.
Lead operational transformation and change management initiatives in an international environment.
Foster a performance-oriented, collaborative, and customer-focused culture across all operational functions.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
Lead and develop international management teams across operations and supply chain functions.
Collaborate closely with Sales, Product Management, Engineering, Quality, and Finance.
Represent the company towards suppliers, strategic partners, and key stakeholders globally.
Your Profile
University degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in industrial operations within: machine tools, mechanical engineering, industrial equipment or a comparable high-tech manufacturing environment (investment goods).
Proven track record managing complex international manufacturing organizations and global supply chains.
Strong expertise in: operational excellence, lean manufacturing, supply chain management, procurement, industrialization and transformation leadership.
Experience working with manufacturing sites and supplier networks in Asia, ideally Taiwan and/or China.
Entrepreneurial, hands-on, and execution-oriented leadership personality with strong strategic capabilities.
Strong intercultural communication and leadership skills in an international matrix environment.
Excellent command of English and French is mandatory. German and/or Mandarin would be considered an advantage.
What Our Client Offers
A highly influential executive leadership position with direct impact on the future development of an international industrial group.
Broad operational responsibility with significant strategic and organizational scope.
An international, technology-driven environment with ambitious transformation and growth objectives.
Collaboration with experienced executive leaders and international teams.
Long-term development perspectives within a globally active industrial organization.
Location: Graeter Bern Area
International travel: approximately 20–30%
If this mandate speaks to your experience and ambition, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Burkhalter will be happy to answer your questions in strict confidence by phone at or via E-Mail E-Mail schreiben. jidf1cccc0a jit0520a jiy26a