COO

COO

COO

About VIIALA

VIIALA is a Swiss-based mobility company redefining what cycling stands for: from one option among many to the option people actively choose. As part of The Honourable Merchants Group, VIIALA challenges and disrupts the cycling industry with uncompromising innovation and design.

With R&D hubs in Switzerland and Dubai, and 95% of components sourced from Europe and the USA, VIIALA is building the next generation of premium e-bikes. Our focus is on absolute performance, safety, range, efficient power management, and full digital integration.

“Our competition isn’t other bike brands—it’s every other mobility option you could pick.”
Unveiled in 2025, VIIALA launches its inaugural bikes in 2028, entering a new, untapped innovation-led market at the ultra-premium level. More than e-bikes, our models are statements of possibility — where engineering, aesthetics, and purpose converge to create the ultimate riding experience for the cities of today and the roads of tomorrow.

Our mission is simple but ambitious:

“To create bikes that today seem unimaginable, but tomorrow become indispensable.”

Role Overview

We are looking for a hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to build and lead VIIALA’s entire operational backbone from the ground up and member of the Management team.

This role is not about managing an existing organization — it is about building one.

The COO will be responsible for:

• Industrialization of our products
• Global supply chain and purchasing
• Production strategy and manufacturing partnerships
• Product management and lifecycle execution
• Quality and reliability systems
• Operational scalability for global growth

The ideal candidate thrives in high-performance startup environments, is highly execution-focused, and is comfortable moving between strategy and hands-on problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

Industrialization & Production

• Lead the industrialization of VIIALA’s product portfolio from prototype to serial production
• Develop scalable production strategies with European and global manufacturing partners
• Establish assembly and logistics structures for global markets
• Drive manufacturing readiness and cost optimization
• Implement the needed ISO / EN standards and as well to be a “vehicle” producer for the VIN
• Set up the processes for a lean order to production and delivery

Supply Chain & Purchasing

• Build and manage VIIALA’s global supplier network
• Negotiate strategic supplier agreements and long-term partnerships
• Secure critical technologies and components
• Implement purchasing processes and cost management structures

Product Management

• Lead the product manager and strategy
• Coordinate product development between engineering, design, and operations
• Manage product lifecycle from concept to production
• Ensure product-market alignment and launch readiness
• Responsible for the BOM

Quality & Reliability

• Implement quality systems across suppliers and production partners
• Define testing protocols and product validation processes
• Ensure reliability and safety standards across all markets

Operations & Organization

• Build VIIALA’s operations team across procurement, product management, and manufacturing
• Implement operational processes, planning, and KPIs
• Manage production planning and supply chain risks
• Scale operational capabilities as the company grows

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with the founders and engineering leadership
• Ensure seamless integration between product vision, engineering, and operations
• Translate product ambition into operational reality
• Budget and Cost responsibility

Project Management:

• Establish program and project management at Viiala both internally and supplier facing
• Establish processes for steering and escalations, e.g. red-green-amber status
• Define gating requirements between product development phases
• Keep track of budget, resources, scope, and timeline

Profile & Experience

Experience

• 10+ years in operations, manufacturing, purchase or supply chain leadership
• Experience industrializing complex hardware products
• Experience in mobility, cycling, automotive, electronics, or premium consumer products
• Experience scaling operations in a startup or high-growth company
• Bachelor degree or Master is a plus

Capabilities

• Strong understanding of product industrialization
• Experience building global supply chains
• Expertise in manufacturing strategy and supplier management
• Ability to move between strategic thinking and hands-on execution

Leadership Style

• Builder mindset
• Highly entrepreneurial
• Hands-on problem solver
• Comfortable working in ambiguity
• Strong communicator and team builder

Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance technical detail with strategic vision.
• Customer-centric mindset, with deep appreciation for premium consumer experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Entrepreneurial, innovative, and solution-oriented attitude.
• Passion for cycling, performance sports, and mobility innovation.
• Fluent in English, and French a plus

What Makes This Role Unique

This role offers a rare opportunity to build the operational backbone of a completely new premium mobility brand.

You will help shape:

• The industrial foundation of VIIALA
• The supply chain of a new category product
• The scaling of a global premium brand

From the first prototypes to global production.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape a pioneering premium e-bike brand from the ground up.
• A high-impact leadership role in a fast-growing, global company.
• Collaboration with world-class innovators, designers, and partners.
• Competitive compensation package, including performance-based incentives and potential equity participation.
• A culture built on passion, performance, and innovation.
• Opportunity to build something truly new in mobility
• Work with world-class partners across design, engineering, and technology
• Join a highly ambitious international team
• Viiala SA
  Route de Crassier 7
  1262 Eysins

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