Associate Director Process Performance/Process Engineering (m/w/d)

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

Who We Are

At Roche, our purpose is to transform patients' lives. We operate with boldness, driven by the belief that good business means a better world. This conviction is what brings us to work every day. We are deeply committed to scientific rigor, unassailable ethics, and ensuring access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow.

We are also strongly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our strength lies in building teams that represent a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Embracing diversity allows us to not only create a great place to work but also to innovate more effectively for patients. A healthier future is what drives us. That is what makes us Roche.

The Opportunity

As Associate Director MSAT Process Performance / Process Engineering, you will lead a team of dedicated scientists, engineers and matrix leads at our Penzberg site. Your team is part of our Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) unit on Roche's largest biologics drug substance site. The Process Performance team holds the responsibility of driving strategic product and process lifecycle management at the site and in alignment with global functions. This role reports directly to the Head of MSAT.

This is a critical leadership position where you will be responsible for ensuring the robustness, efficiency, and sustainability of the manufacturing processes of our commercial products. Your team's work in process monitoring, trending, risk management, and continuous improvement is fundamental to achieving right-first-time manufacturing at competitive costs.

You will be the strategic leader for these key areas, making informed decisions that directly impact product cost reduction, standardization, and product and process risk mitigation across the commercial product lifecycle. This role is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our manufacturing processes and contribute to our mission of delivering life-changing medicines to patients.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a Strategic Vision: Define and execute the strategic direction for the Process Performance, aligning goals with both local and global stakeholders. You'll lead a team of experts, guiding them to achieve critical business objectives.
• Optimize Process Performance: Take ownership of all manufacturing science aspects that improve process robustness and efficiency, driving continuous improvement initiatives that contribute directly to our financial targets. You own the department budget, lead with KPIs and optimize the business value of the department.
• Drive Strategic Decisions: Own the process performance health and product roadmap for all commercial products. You will be responsible for making critical decisions to mitigate key risks and improve overall efficiency.

Qualification

• A Master’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Biology). A Ph.D. is a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology, with a proven track record in the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, product and technology industrialization, and process development for biological molecules.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical quality systems and relevant industry guidelines for product submissions and lifecycle management.
• Proven experience in both leading teams and serving in expert technical functions.
• Strong business acumen is a must. Project management skills and capability are highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, decision-making, and advanced risk management. You can effectively translate strategic vision into actionable operational plans.
• Exceptional communication skills—fluent in English—with a strong ability to persuade, collaborate, and network effectively across a complex matrix organization.
• Experience leading major change initiatives and continuous improvement efforts is strongly preferred.
• You actively embody the VACC leadership model (Visionary, Architect, Coach, Catalyst) and apply the Roche Operating Principles in all decision‑making and interactions.

Solve Complex Challenges

Apply your deep expertise in Process Performance and Product Life Cycle Management to navigate and solve challenging scientific and technical issues, implementing optimized processes across the Roche network.

Represent and Influence

Act as a key spokesperson for your department in process health reviews, audits, and global forums. You will standardize local business processes and champion best practices aligned with global standards.

Mentor and Develop Talent

Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to your team, fostering their growth and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

Your application

You only need to upload your resume (in English please). Further documents will be requested if necessary.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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