Job Description

Ophtapharm AG was founded in 2023 from a facility with over 40 years’ experience in the manufacturing of sterile products and is an FDA/EU-GMP certified CMO of pharmaceutical sterile products. On our plant in Hettlingen, high quality products such as sterile eye drops, eye ointments and eye gels are aseptically compounded, filled, tested and packed for worldwide markets.

Operational Excellence Lead (m/w)

Are you passionate about driving transformation, optimizing performance, and shaping a culture of continuous improvement? Join us as our Operational Excellence Lead, where you will play a key role in strengthening our Operational Excellence and embedding Lean methodologies to support our strategic vision.

In this pivotal role, you will lead Lean transformation initiatives aligned with company strategy, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and performance excellence. You will partner closely with leadership and teams across the organization to ensure that Lean is not just a toolkit but a way of working.

Key Responsibilities

Lean Transformation Leadership

• Develop and execute the Lean roadmap with measurable results
• Facilitate kaizen, VSM, and structured problem-solving activities
• Promote and teach Lean principles across the organization

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Implement performance dashboards, KPIs, and tiered operations systems
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve flow, reduce waste, and boost productivity
• Benchmark and continuously enhance processes to meet regulatory and industry standards

Change Management & Culture Building

• Act as a change agent to foster accountability and innovation
• Coach and mentor employees and leaders to build Lean capabilities
• Communicate progress and engage stakeholders across the business

Strategic Lean Projects & Planning

• Lead high-impact improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, and efficiency
• Ensure Lean programs support regulatory compliance and product excellence
• Support strategic planning using Lean methodologies (e.g., Hoshin Kanri)

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• Proven experience in Lean transformation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
• Strong knowledge of Lean Six Sigma; Green/Black Belt certification preferred
• Experience in operations within regulated/high-volume manufacturing environments (FDA, EMA, GMP preferred)
• Excellent leadership, facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and project management capabilities

Why Join Us?

At Ophtapharm AG you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our operations and contribute to delivering high-quality sterile ophthalmic products with excellence and innovation. You will work in an environment that values teamwork, continuous learning and innovative thinking. Ready to lead meaningful transformation? Apply today and help us build a culture of continuous improvement and operational success.
Do you have any questions? HR Hettlingen, Human Resources, will be happy to assist you. Tel: +41 52 304 12 36.

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