“From the ground up: Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude” A globally emerging company operating at the intersection of advanced materials science and human health is executing a defining strategic move: transferring highly complex, vertically integrated manufacturing capability from East Asia to Europe, with Switzerland as its chosen base. Driven by supply chain conviction rather than cost, this is a greenfield build of genuine organizational and technical ambition. We have been exclusively retained to find the person who will be appointed to not inherit a running operation, but to be build the next one as VP, Advanced Materials Manufacturing — Switzerland Role Overview Our client supplies highly engineered materials to mission-critical production facilities across its global network. This greenfield initiative is part of a broader strategic program to regionalize supply chains and establish sovereign manufacturing capability within core markets. The Vice President, Advanced Materials Manufacturing will serve as the founding site executive, responsible for establishing the facility from the ground up, building the organisation, and achieving full operational and compliance certification. This is a rare opportunity to leave a defining legacy in European advanced manufacturing. Key Responsibilities 1.\tSite Establishment & Manufacturing Leadership •\tLead all aspects of greenfield site development: location assessment, infrastructure build-out, equipment qualification, and operational ramp-up •\tDevelop and execute the long-term manufacturing strategy aligned with global supply requirements and capacity roadmap •\tEstablish production planning, scheduling, and resource frameworks to meet commercial targets from first production •\tDrive technology integration, automation, and digital manufacturing initiatives from day one •\tSet and enforce the highest standards of operational discipline, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability 2.\tQuality Systems & Compliance •\tDesign and implement a world-class quality management system compliant with applicable international standards and the Swiss regulatory framework (Swissmedic) •\tEstablish all SOPs, documentation architecture, and quality controls for in-process and finished material release •\tLead root-cause analysis, CAPA, and quality risk management disciplines across all operations •\tOversee supplier qualification and ongoing supply quality management 3.\tRegulatory Affairs •\tDevelop and execute the regulatory strategy to achieve and maintain compliance with Swiss, European, and international requirements applicable to precision-manufactured materials •\tLead engagement with Swiss and European regulatory authorities throughout the site establishment and certification process •\tOversee preparation of technical documentation, regulatory submissions, and all authority-facing deliverables •\tMonitor the evolving international regulatory landscape and ensure timely implementation within site operations 4.\tCross-Functional & Executive Leadership •\tBuild, lead, and develop the manufacturing, quality, and regulatory functions — attracting and retaining talent in a greenfield context •\tPartner with R&D, global supply chain, commercial, and finance leadership to align site capabilities with business priorities •\tRepresent the site at group executive level and contribute to global strategic planning •\tChampion a culture of scientific rigour, accountability, and continuous improvement 5.\tPerformance & Financial Management •\tDefine and manage KPIs across manufacturing performance, quality outcomes, and regulatory compliance •\tHold full P&L accountability for the site, ensuring cost discipline and budget adherence •\tMaintain compliance with all EHS regulations applicable to the manufacturing environment Candidate Profile Academic Background •\tAdvanced degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biotechnology, or a cognate discipline. Experience •\tA minimum of 20 years' experience in senior manufacturing leadership roles within highly regulated production environments, with demonstrated progression to VP or equivalent executive accountability including full P&L and regulatory responsibility •\tProven, hands-on experience establishing a greenfield regulated manufacturing facility — from site selection and authority engagement through GMP or equivalent certification to full operational ramp-up; experience with raw or specialty materials strongly preferred •\tDemonstrated accountability for quality assurance, quality control, and regulatory affairs functions at an enterprise or global level •\tProven success managing regulatory inspections and certification processes with multiple international authorities •\tExperience operating within or alongside the Swiss regulatory environment (Swissmedic) and familiarity with European frameworks is required •\tSignificant experience navigating the Chinese regulatory landscape, including direct engagement with the NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) and relevant provincial authorities in the context of manufactured product approval and ongoing compliance — this is a non-negotiable requirement of the role •\tDemonstrated experience managing and qualifying Asian-based supply chain partners at an operational and quality level Languages •\tFull professional fluency in English — required •\tNative-level Mandarin Chinese — required; this reflects the operational reality of the role's supply chain and regulatory remit Why This Requirement Profile Is Specific The combination of Swiss/European greenfield site leadership, Swissmedic and EU regulatory authority engagement, and simultaneously native-level Mandarin with direct NMPA engagement experience represents a genuinely rare intersection. The company has conducted an internal assessment and concluded that this profile does not exist within its current global organisation. External search is therefore the only viable path. In summary: •\tLocation: Switzerland (site location TBC; accessibility for supply chain logistics is a key consideration in the ongoing site assessment process) •\tReporting: Group C-Suite •\tEngagement: Exclusive retained mandate; interested candidates and enquiries treated in strict confidence Have we captured your interest? If so, then I look forward to receiving your application! Uncomplicated and directly to Ramon Bodenmiller Managing Director | Headhunter Bösch 21 6331 Hünenberg Tel. 41 41 741 99 99 bewerbung@bodenmiller.ch About us: Bodenmiller Recruitment GmbH | Because people decisions matter specializes in Talent Acquisition & Executive Search for the Life Sciences, Engineering & IT industries. We recruit and attract employees locally and internationally, whether at specialist or managerial level. In addition, we offer services for staff/body leasing, interim management, payrolling and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO).