Head of Engineering Innovation

Bachem

Bubendorf, Switzerland

To drive our continuous organic growth, we are constantly looking for highly qualified professionals. To strengthen our team in the Global Engineering department, we are looking for a dedicated Head of Innovation in Engineering (a) 100%.

The Head of Innovation in Engineering drives innovation across Bachem’s global engineering and manufacturing network by identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies, processes, and engineering solutions that enhance operational excellence, manufacturing capabilities, sustainability, digitalization, and competitiveness. In close collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners, the role leads technology scouting and manages a structured innovation pipeline from ideation to deployment, ensuring alignment with Bachem’s strategic growth objectives.

Your tasks:

Develop and execute Bachem’s global Engineering Innovation Strategy and multi-year technology roadmap aligned with business objectives;
Scout, assess, and advance emerging technologies and market trends relevant to peptide and oligonucleotide manufacturing, API production, and the CDMO industry;
Lead innovation initiatives across engineering and manufacturing, focusing on automation, digitalization, AI, advanced analytics, smart manufacturing, and process intensification;
Evaluate, pilot, and scale innovative technologies and engineering solutions to improve manufacturing performance, operational excellence, and competitiveness;
Drive digital transformation initiatives in Engineering in collaboration with Engineering, IT/OT, and Automation teams to enhance productivity, quality, compliance, and operational performance;
Establish innovation governance, manage the innovation portfolio, and develop business cases and ROI assessments to ensure strategic value creation;
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with technology providers, research institutions, startups, and industry networks to accelerate innovation and technology adoption;
Champion sustainable manufacturing by identifying and implementing technologies that improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support future manufacturing concepts and plant designs.

Your profile:

Master's degree in Chemical, Process, Mechanical, Biochemical or Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline;
PhD and/or MBA is a strong plus;
Minimum 10 years of engineering and manufacturing experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or CDMO/CMO industry;
Proven leadership experience (5+ years) in engineering, manufacturing technology, innovation, operational excellence, or a related function;
Demonstrated track record in developing and implementing innovation strategies, technology roadmaps, and transformative engineering solutions;
Strong knowledge of modern manufacturing technologies, including automation, digital manufacturing, advanced analytics, AI/ML applications, and smart manufacturing concepts;
Experience evaluating, scaling, and deploying new technologies in GMP-regulated manufacturing environments, with a strong understanding of business case development and value realization;
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to build partnerships across functions and external innovation networks;
Entrepreneurial, strategic, and change-oriented leader with strong business acumen;
Fluent in English, German is a very strong plus.