Corden Pharma Switzerland LLC
Head of Development (m/f/d) - Innovative Synthesis
Introduction
CordenPharma is a leading full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, drug products (DP), and packaging. With around 3,000 employees worldwide, we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies manufacture medicines with the ultimate goal of improving people's lives.
Our network, spanning Europe and the US, provides flexible and specialized solutions across six technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates, Injectables, Highly Potent & Oncology, Small Molecules, and Oligonucleotides. We strive for excellence in supporting this network and are committed to delivering the highest quality products for patient well-being.
Our People Vision:
We strive for excellence. We share our passion. Together, we make a difference in patients' lives.
Head of Development (m/f/d) - Innovative Synthesis
Dual role
- Liestal
- as soon as possible
- Full-time
- Permanent
What you can expect
The role
This is a dual role: you lead the Development function in Liestal (and are part of the Site Leadership Team) while also heading Development across the Innovative Synthesis Business Unit (Liestal, Chenôve, Bergamo).
a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }Strategic
- Drive continuous improvement and "state-of-the-art" process development and analytical methods, including phase-appropriate standards.
- Define and implement internal development standards, tools, and process flows together with the process owner "Project Management".
- Build a culture of Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement, ensuring learnings are systematically shared between Development and Manufacturing.
- Shape technology advancement by working closely with Innovation to introduce new technologies, equipment, and techniques.
- Own capital planning and ensure a state-of-the-art DEV infrastructure (facilities, maintenance, investments for obsolescence, capacity, and technology).
- Contribute to operational strategy and long-term development as a member of the Business Unit Leadership Team and Site Leadership Team Liestal.
- Support Commercial & Project Management in new business capture (opportunity assessment, project evaluations) and participate in customer visits when technical excellence is key.
Operational
- Provide disciplinary and technical leadership for Development teams across the Business Unit (with direct responsibility in Liestal and matrix leadership across sites).
- Manage budgets and cost centers for the function.
- Lead cross-site resource management to optimize utilization and scheduling in close cooperation with Project Management.
- Drive people management & development (recruitment, coaching, training, succession planning).
- Ensure SHE compliance and appropriate internal/external quality standards (ISO, GMP where applicable), including ownership of DEV quality documentation (guidelines, SOPs, templates).
To successfully master this role, we are looking for the following qualifications:
- PhD preferred in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent.
- 10+ years in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry with a focus on process research & development, innovation and/or project management and manufacturing for Small Molecules, Lipids, and Peptides.
- Strong leadership capabilities
- German & English proficiency