Global Head of Pharma Technical Development Synthetic Molecules (PTDC)

Roche seeks a Global Head of Pharma Technical Development for Synthetic Molecules to lead strategic CMC, site operations in Basel, and the launch of a new facility.

This executive position directs the technical development and clinical manufacturing of Roche’s synthetic molecule portfolio, including small molecules, oligonucleotides, and peptides. The role serves as the Site Head for PTD in Basel, acting as a bridge between early-stage innovation and commercial success while fostering collective leadership across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategy for synthetic molecule drug substance, covering discovery support, clinical manufacturing, and lifecycle management.
• Guarantee the timely and accurate delivery of CMC packages for new molecular entities and line extensions.
• Advance next-generation capabilities by implementing digital automation, 'Lab to Plant' models, and sustainable green chemistry practices.
• Serve as the primary accountable leader for all PTD site matters in Basel, including Quality, Safety, Sustainability, and Infrastructure oversight.
• Represent PTD and site interests at the Basel Kaiseraugst Management Meeting.
• Cultivate a high-performing organization through employee training, engagement initiatives, and cultural transformation.
• Monitor the operational health of all PTD Basel laboratories and pilot plants.
• Manage IT/OT investments for ASPIRE, Cybersecurity, and Business Continuity, ensuring successful delivery.
• Take full responsibility for the on-time, on-budget, and compliant delivery of the new Synthetic Molecule Facility.
• Ensure a smooth transition from construction to clinical and commercial production for the new facility.
• Act as the Senior Point of Contact for the PT Safety, Health, and Environment Council.
• Chair the PTD SHE Governance body and drive the Roche Strategy for SHE across four geographies.
• Collaborate across the PT and PTD network to simplify processes and eliminate silos.
• Implement Lean/OE principles to achieve 100PY targets, scaling capacity without proportional cost increases.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related Life Sciences field, with equivalent relevant work experience in a global setting.
• Extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including significant time in senior executive leadership roles.
• Deep expertise in Synthetic Molecule CMC, covering small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, and parenteral operations.
• Proven ability to lead through others in a matrixed, global environment.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering large-scale capital projects, such as manufacturing facilities, on time and within budget.
• Strong experience in managing complex sites, including SHE, Quality, and employee engagement responsibilities.
• Outstanding communication skills across all levels.

Nice to have

• Experience in Parenteral operations is preferable.

About the company

Roche is a global organization with more than 100,000 employees dedicated to advancing science. The company’s mission is to prevent, stop, and cure diseases while ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Roche values innovation, collaboration, dedication, and mutual respect, with a commitment to scientific rigor, technical excellence, and unassailable ethics.

• Culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections where employees are valued, accepted, and respected.
• Mission is to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come.
• Organization values innovation, collaboration, dedication, and mutual respect.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, technical excellence, unassailable ethics, and access to medical innovations for all.
• More than 100,000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science.