Job Description

Recrutis is supporting a leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Valais, Switzerland, in the search for a Manager USP Biotechnologist, based on site in the Valais region.

Why this role

• A leadership role at the heart of upstream manufacturing: you support Production Leaders, Supervisors and Specialists in daily operations and in everything people-related.
• Real influence on team effectiveness — employee development, training, onboarding and coaching initiatives sit with you.
• You are the link between management and the shop floor: regular communication, coordination of team meetings, and timely escalation of production issues.
• Broad technical footing expected — mammalian cell culture expertise combined with people leadership, on a large-scale GMP biotech site.
• Direct contribution to continuous improvement initiatives across functional areas, in a culture that rewards openness to change and the implementation of new ideas.

Key information

• Location: Valais, Switzerland — on-site presence at the manufacturing site.
• Contract: consulting assignment (mission).
• Duration: start as soon as possible, assignment running until the end of March 2027.
• Seniority: around 10 years of experience in a biotech or chemical GMP environment.
• Languages: English at professional working level.

Scope

• Support Production Leaders, Supervisors and Specialists in daily operations and in people-related activities.
• Drive employee development, training, onboarding and coaching initiatives, and overall team effectiveness.
• Facilitate effective information exchange between management and the team through regular communication and coordination of team meetings.
• Escalate production-related issues in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Promote the site culture by encouraging openness to change, supporting the implementation of new ideas and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across functional areas.
• Act as a key point of support for both management and team members, maintaining a productive, compliant and positive working environment.

Profile — Required criteria (knockout)

• Proven people management experience — this is the number one requirement of the role.
• Around 10 years of experience in a biotech or chemical manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Broad biotechnology expertise and/or knowledge of biotechnical engineering.
• English at professional working level.
• Availability to work on site in Valais until the end of March 2027.

Strong assets — Differentiators

• Strong background in mammalian cell culture.
• Strong leadership skills in a large industrial organisation.
• Understanding of business and financial processes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels and functions of the organisation.
• Strong team-oriented mindset.

Process

Confidential recruitment process. Response within 48 hours for applications meeting required criteria. Active mandate, priority review.

Keywords

USP, Upstream Processing, Mammalian Cell Culture, Biotechnology, GMP, Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing, Production Management, People Management, Leadership, Coaching, Continuous Improvement, Valais, Switzerland

Fabrice Cattant — Founder, Recrutis | Expert & Executive Search in Life Sciences