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Operational Support Manager - Job Opportunity at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Lengnau, Switzerland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 17, 2025
On-site
CHF 120,000 - 150,000 per year (approximately USD 130,000 - 165,000), reflecting Switzerland's premium compensation market for senior pharmaceutical manufacturing roles. Swiss biotech salaries typically command 20-30% premiums over other European markets, with additional performance bonuses potentially adding 15-25% to total compensation.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package with performance-based annual incentive plan bonus providing direct correlation between individual contribution and financial rewards
Comprehensive healthcare coverage ensuring employee wellbeing and reducing personal medical expenses
Extensive range of employee benefits package demonstrating company investment in workforce retention and satisfaction
Outstanding career development prospects with structured learning opportunities in a culture that actively empowers professional growth
Access to industry-leading resources backed by over $40 billion in company revenues and the largest R&D investment in the sector

Key Responsibilities

Lead manufacturing support operations for upstream and downstream recombinant product processes, directly impacting daily production efficiency and output quality in GMP-compliant manufacturing suites
Develop and manage high-performing manufacturing support teams while implementing strategic succession planning to ensure operational continuity and knowledge retention
Drive cross-functional collaboration with Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Manufacturing Science and Technology, Engineering, and Validation teams to optimize production processes and maintain regulatory compliance
Spearhead new production line design, commissioning, qualification and validation projects for recombinant products, directly contributing to company expansion and market competitiveness
Lead technology transfer initiatives and operational readiness activities for new production processes, ensuring seamless implementation of innovative manufacturing capabilities
Execute critical CVQ, PQ, and Process Validation activities that directly impact product quality, regulatory approval, and market launch success
Ensure comprehensive implementation of GMP rules, quality policies, and EHSS compliance standards, maintaining the company's reputation and avoiding costly regulatory violations
Support New Product Introduction initiatives for recombinant products, directly contributing to revenue growth and market expansion

Requirements

Education

Bachelor/Master in Chemistry / Biochemistry / Biology / Food Science

Experience

>10 years successful experience in pharmaceuticals operations in a GMP relevant environment

Required Skills

experience in biotech or pharma processes, either in sterile processes, USP, DSP, solution preparation, single use, CIP/SIP processes Good knowledge and competence in the field of automated processes Experience in leading teams English language proficiency German language skills helpful Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The biopharmaceutical industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased demand for recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapies, with the global biopharmaceuticals market expected to reach over $650 billion by 2025. This growth is particularly strong in the recombinant products sector, where Thermo Fisher Scientific operates, as these products are essential for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, and rare genetic disorders. Manufacturing automation and digitalization are transforming pharmaceutical operations, with companies investing heavily in single-use technologies, continuous manufacturing processes, and advanced process analytical technology (PAT). Organizations are seeking experienced managers who can bridge traditional GMP manufacturing with modern automated systems and Industry 4.0 technologies. Regulatory compliance requirements are becoming increasingly stringent globally, with authorities like FDA, EMA, and ICH implementing more rigorous standards for manufacturing processes, data integrity, and quality systems. This creates high demand for experienced professionals who can ensure compliance while maintaining operational efficiency and supporting rapid product development timelines.

Role Significance

Typically manages 8-15 direct manufacturing support specialists and technical staff, with indirect influence over 25-40 production personnel across multiple manufacturing suites. The role involves matrix management of cross-functional project teams ranging from 10-20 members during major initiatives.
Senior management position with significant operational authority and strategic influence over manufacturing processes. This role sits at the intersection of daily operations and strategic planning, requiring both tactical execution skills and strategic thinking capabilities. The position holds accountability for multi-million dollar manufacturing operations and directly impacts product quality, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

Key Projects

New production line commissioning and validation projects worth $10-50 million in capital investment, involving complex equipment qualification, process validation, and regulatory submission activities Technology transfer initiatives for new recombinant products, requiring coordination of process development, scale-up activities, and commercial manufacturing readiness assessments Continuous improvement programs focused on manufacturing efficiency, yield optimization, and cost reduction, typically delivering 5-15% improvements in operational metrics Regulatory compliance initiatives including FDA/EMA inspections preparation, deviation investigations, and CAPA implementation programs that directly impact product approvals and market access

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in recombinant protein manufacturing processes combined with strong business acumen to balance technical excellence with commercial objectives. Success requires understanding the scientific complexity of biological manufacturing while maintaining focus on cost, quality, and timeline objectives. Exceptional leadership and change management capabilities to guide teams through complex technical challenges, organizational changes, and regulatory requirements. The ability to inspire and develop technical talent while maintaining high performance standards is critical for long-term success. Strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including scientists, engineers, quality professionals, and business leaders. Success requires building consensus across different functional areas while maintaining technical integrity and compliance standards. Regulatory expertise and risk management capabilities to navigate complex GMP requirements, manage compliance risks, and ensure successful regulatory interactions. The ability to anticipate and mitigate compliance issues before they impact operations is essential for protecting both product quality and business continuity.

Market Demand

High demand with limited qualified candidates, as the role requires a unique combination of extensive GMP manufacturing experience, team leadership capabilities, and technical expertise in recombinant product manufacturing processes.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

GMP manufacturing experience is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation for all manufacturing activities in the pharmaceutical industry. Without deep understanding of GMP principles, risk assessment, and compliance requirements, success in this role is impossible. This expertise directly impacts product quality, regulatory approval, and patient safety. Team leadership and people development capabilities are critical for building and maintaining high-performing manufacturing teams. The ability to develop talent, manage performance, and drive organizational change directly impacts operational efficiency, employee retention, and business continuity in a competitive talent market. Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills are essential for success in this matrix organization structure. The ability to influence without direct authority, build consensus across diverse technical functions, and manage competing priorities directly impacts project success and operational effectiveness.

Beneficial Skills

German language skills would provide significant advantage for communication with local regulatory authorities, equipment suppliers, and potential career mobility within the German-speaking pharmaceutical market, which represents one of Europe's largest and most sophisticated markets Project management certification (PMP) or advanced business education (MBA) would enhance career progression opportunities toward general management roles and provide additional tools for managing complex technical projects and business initiatives Regulatory affairs expertise or additional certifications in quality systems would differentiate candidates in an increasingly complex regulatory environment and provide valuable cross-functional perspective for senior leadership roles

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge recombinant product manufacturing technologies at one of the world's most advanced biomanufacturing facilities, providing exposure to industry-leading processes and equipment
Direct involvement in New Product Introduction activities offering unique insight into product development lifecycle and commercial manufacturing scale-up processes
Leadership role in a company with the industry's largest R&D investment, providing access to innovative technologies and processes before they become industry standard
Strategic position supporting both routine manufacturing operations and major capital projects, offering diverse experience in operational management and project leadership

Career Growth

3-5 years for progression to site-level leadership roles, 5-8 years for advancement to global or executive positions, depending on performance, additional business development, and strategic skill acquisition.

Potential Next Roles

Site Manufacturing Director or Head of Manufacturing Operations, responsible for entire manufacturing site operations with P&L accountability and strategic planning responsibilities Global Manufacturing Excellence Director, leading manufacturing optimization and best practices implementation across multiple international sites Vice President of Technical Operations, overseeing manufacturing, engineering, and technical services functions with executive-level strategic responsibilities Chief Operating Officer or General Manager roles within smaller biotech companies, leveraging deep operational experience to drive overall business performance

Company Overview

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific stands as the world's leading life sciences company with over $40 billion in annual revenue, serving customers in pharmaceutical, biotech, academic, government, and industrial markets globally. The company operates through four primary segments: Life Sciences Solutions, Analytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics, and Laboratory Products and Services, with a particularly strong presence in bioproduction and contract manufacturing services.

Dominant market leader in life sciences with the largest R&D investment in the industry, providing unparalleled resources for innovation and growth. The company's scale and financial strength offer exceptional job security and career development opportunities, while its global presence provides international mobility options for ambitious professionals.
Switzerland represents a strategic hub for Thermo Fisher's European biomanufacturing operations, benefiting from the country's world-class pharmaceutical ecosystem, skilled workforce, and favorable regulatory environment. The Lengnau location likely serves as a key production facility for European and global markets, offering exposure to international business operations and regulatory requirements.
Performance-driven culture emphasizing scientific excellence, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement, with strong support for professional development and career advancement. The company's values of Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement create an environment that rewards high performance and technical expertise while fostering collaborative teamwork.
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