Vice President Operations (100%)

Starting date: as soon as possible | Place of work: Schlieren, Switzerland

The VP Operations will oversee critical operational functions, including procurement, lab management, production of biological microtissues (BPU), production of Akura plates (CPU), and export/logistics. This individual will be a key driver in improving internal processes, enhancing profitability, and ensuring the scalability and efficiency of our operations.

The role requires a strategic and hands-on leader with expertise in operational optimization, financial rigor, and process streamlining, ensuring seamless execution from Purchase Order (PO) to cash-in.

Main responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage cross-functional teams, including procurement, lab management, biological and Akura plate production, and logistics.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-departmental leaders (R&D, Business Development, Finance) to align operations with overall business strategy.

  2. Process Optimization and Streamlining

• Evaluate and optimize the end-to-end PO-to-cash workflow to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Implement standardized tools, KPIs, and processes to measure and optimize operational performance.
• Identify bottlenecks and develop actionable solutions to streamline production, procurement, and supply chain processes.

3. Product and Solution Portfolio Optimization

• Work closely with the VPs and/or Product Manager to refine and optimize InSphero’s product and service offerings.
• Evaluate production costs, resource allocation, and scalability of current offerings to ensure maximum profitability and value for customers.
• Contribute to new product introductions by supporting efficient process design and implementation.

4. Profitability and Cost Optimization

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust project calculation tools to ensure accurate cost estimations and pricing strategies.
• Review project budgets, ensuring alignment with financial goals and resource capabilities.
• Conduct post-execution analyses to assess project profitability and recommend measures for future cost improvements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across procurement, production, and logistics.

5. Team and Leadership Development

• Inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams within operations.
• Drive collaboration and communication across departments to achieve shared objectives.
• Attract and retain top talent to continuously strengthen InSphero’s operational capabilities.

Profile:

• Master’s degree in Life Sciences or related field. An MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in operations leadership roles, preferably in the life sciences, biotech, or manufacturing sectors.
• Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional operations teams.
• Demonstrated success in process optimization and implementing cost-efficient operational improvements.
• Strong understanding of project cost calculations, financial analysis, and budgeting processes.
• Proficiency in implementing and using tools to analyze profitability, project execution, and operational efficiency.
• Solid experience driving change management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable, measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional leadership skills to inspire and empower teams toward achieving ambitious goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage cross-functional stakeholders.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on operational excellence, cost management, and customer satisfaction.
• Applicants must have Swiss or EU citizenship or hold a valid work permit for Switzerland.

 We are looking forward to receiving your application (resume, cover letter, diplomas, job references) by e-mail at Write an email.