Head of Engineering Innovation

• 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.