Vice President (VP), Advanced Materials Manufacturing - Switzerland

Role Overview

A globally emerging company operating at the intersection of advanced materials science and human health is executing a defining strategic move: transferring complex, vertically integrated manufacturing capability from East Asia to Europe, with Switzerland as its chosen base. This initiative is part of a broader strategic program to regionalize supply chains and establish sovereign manufacturing capability within core markets. The successful candidate will serve as a pioneering site executive, responsible for establishing a new facility from the ground up, building the organization, and achieving full operational and compliance certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Site Establishment & Manufacturing Leadership
  • Lead all aspects of greenfield site development including location assessment, infrastructure build-out, equipment qualification, and operational ramp-up.
  • Develop and execute a 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 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 cognate discipline.

Experience
A minimum of 20 years' experience in senior manufacturing leadership roles within highly regulated production environments. Proven, hands-on experience establishing a greenfield regulated manufacturing facility from site selection to full operational ramp-up is essential. Significant experience navigating both the Swiss regulatory landscape and the Chinese regulatory landscape, including direct engagement with relevant authorities, is required.

Languages
Full professional fluency in English and native-level Mandarin Chinese is required.

Location & Engagement

Location: Switzerland (specific site location to be confirmed, with accessibility for supply chain logistics as a key consideration).

Reporting: Group C-Suite. Engagement is through an exclusive retained mandate.

About Us

Bodenmiller Recruitment GmbH | Because people decisions matter specializes in Talent Acquisition & Executive Search for the Life Sciences, Engineering & IT industries. We attract employees locally and internationally, whether at specialist or managerial levels, and offer services for staff/body leasing, interim management, payrolling, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO).