Bio Global SBS / OPEX Lead (d/f/m)

Sandoz Schweiz seeks a senior OPEX Lead in Basel to design and deploy the Sandoz Business System across its Biosimilars network, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

This position serves as the primary architect and transformation leader for Operational Excellence within the Biosimilars development, manufacturing, and supply chain. The incumbent is tasked with embedding a sustainable methodology for continuous improvement that ensures capabilities endure beyond individual projects, acting as a coach and system designer to align operations with business and regulatory goals.

Responsibilities

• Define and refine the Operational Excellence strategy and roadmap to align with business priorities, network targets, and regulatory standards.
• Establish governance frameworks for prioritization, steering, and benefits validation to ensure consistent deployment of the SBS model across the Biosimilars platform.
• Drive the implementation of OPEX principles across development, production sites, and platform functions to ensure uniform application.
• Manage a portfolio of GMP-compliant improvement projects, tracking financial and operational benefits through clear charters, baselines, and control plans.
• Lead cross-platform initiatives focused on first-time-right performance, reducing deviations, shortening batch release cycles, increasing throughput and yield, and optimizing labor productivity and warehouse planning.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to integrate OPEX into deviation management, CAPA, change control, risk management (ICH Q9), and inspection readiness.
• Develop capability-building programs using Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC methodologies, training teams in problem-solving, root cause analysis, and statistical tools.
• Foster a community of practice by building a network of OPEX leaders, leveraging digital analytics (MES, EBR, historians), and providing transparent performance reporting to global leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 8–12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, or medical devices within GMP/GxP-regulated environments.
• Fluent proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Expertise in structured problem-solving methods such as A3 and DMAIC, along with Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent.
• Deep knowledge of Lean tools including Daily Management, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S, SMED, Kanban, Standard Work, and Visual Management.
• Familiarity with ICH guidelines, Quality Risk Management principles, and a strong commitment to data integrity and compliance documentation.
• Experience with digital manufacturing technologies, including SPC, MES/EBR systems, and performance dashboards.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional and cross-site transformations in global matrix organizations, influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and coaching skills, with the ability to lead without authority and drive stakeholder engagement.

What the company offers

• An agile and collegiate work environment that welcomes diversity of thought and supports personal career growth.

About the company

Sandoz is the global leader in Biosimilar and Generic medicines, a segment of healthcare that provides 80% of the world’s medicines at 30% of the cost, impacting over 1 billion people in more than 100 countries. The company is driven by an open, collaborative culture powered by ambitious colleagues and is committed to building an inclusive work environment with diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities served.

• Open and collaborative culture driven by talented and ambitious colleagues.
• Commitment to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment.
• Focus on diverse teams representative of patients and communities.