Head of QA Operations, Product & Batch Flow

Central-Apotheke Aarau AG seeks a Head of QA Operations to lead QA specialists in Bern, ensuring compliant batch execution and driving continuous improvement in quality systems.

Based in Bern, this position reports to the Director QA Bern and Qualified Person. The role is responsible for leading a team of eight QA Specialists and driving operational quality assurance activities to ensure that batch execution at the Bern site remains compliant, timely, and ready for inspections.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Product & Batch Flow pillar, covering product readiness, manufacturing documentation, raw material quality oversight, stability-related QA tasks, and product disposition preparation.
• Manage the prioritization and governance of deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and validation activities, ensuring a balance between compliance requirements, business needs, and operational priorities.
• Monitor and enhance QA performance by managing KPIs, identifying risks, balancing workloads, and making data-driven decisions.
• Ensure inspection readiness by maintaining robust, compliant, and audit-ready quality systems, processes, and documentation standards.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that simplify processes, enhance cross-functional collaboration, and increase the overall effectiveness of QA operations.
• Lead and develop a team of eight (Senior) QA Specialists, fostering a high-performing and quality-focused environment.

Requirements

• A degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Proven experience in Quality Assurance within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry, ideally supporting manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, batch disposition, deviation management, change control, CAPA, and inspection readiness.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a complex, cross-functional environment.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is essential.
• Must live and work in Switzerland; no cross-border contracts offered.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of German is a clear advantage.

What the company offers

• Opportunity to shape the future of QA operations and lead a talented team.
• Chance to drive continuous improvement and make a visible impact on business performance.

About the company

Central-Apotheke Aarau AG is a global vaccine company committed to saving and improving lives by unlocking the power of the immune system. The company excels in R&D innovation, manufacturing, and commercialization, and is a preferred supplier of mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments.

• Committed to saving and improving lives by unlocking the power of the immune system.
• Excels in R&D innovation, manufacturing, and commercialization.
• Global vaccine company with a mission to improve health and save lives through innovative vaccines.
• Preferred supplier of mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments.

How to apply

Application language: English