Site Head Kaiseraugst & Basel (f/m/d)

Company information and role purpose
Solvias is an internationally recognized provider of integrated solutions in contract analytical research, development and manufacturing. The company offers a broad spectrum of services and solutions in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Medical Device, Cell&Gene Therapy and Cosmetic industries. With headquarters near Basel, Switzerland, over 800 highly qualified employees take pride in putting science at the heart of serving customers to bring safer and better products to market faster.

The Site Head for Kaiseraugst and Basel will lead the strategic and operational management of our two sites in Switzerland, comprising over 500 employees. As the senior-most leader at the site, you will be responsible for ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality delivery of our services. You will also play a key role in shaping site culture, driving innovation, and aligning operational goals with broader corporate objectives.

Job Description

Strategic & Site Leadership

Lead all site-level operational activities, ensuring alignment with global and regional strategy
Act as the key representative of the organization in Switzerland, building strong relationships with clients, partners, and regulatory agencies
Develop and execute short- and long-term strategic plans to drive site performance, innovation, and expansion in the market

Operational Oversigh

As the site leader you will lead the site leadership team and manage all functional departments
Ensure the site delivers projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
Monitor and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure operational excellence

Financial & Business Management

Prepare and manage the site’s operational budget, forecasts, and financial performance
Drive cost-efficiency and ensure sustainable profitability while maintaining service quality
Support business development efforts by participating in client discussions and engagements

People & Culture

Lead, inspire, and develop a large, multidisciplinary team of professionals
Promote a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative culture focused on continuous learning and development
Champion employee engagement, talent retention, and succession planning

Compliance & Quality

Ensure full compliance with Swiss, EU, and global regulatory requirements
Maintain a state of audit readiness and support internal and external audits/inspections
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and uphold the highest quality standards across all departments

Requirements

Required qualifications / experiences

Master’s degree or higher in Life Sciences, Operations Management, or Business Administration
Significant years of proven, progressive leadership experience within a CRO or pharmaceutical environment, with experience in a senior operational or site management role
In-depth knowledge of chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) processes and regulatory landscapes in Switzerland and Europe

Required skills

Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Strong business acumen, including experience with budget management and P&L accountability
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Fluency in English required; German is highly preferable

Comprehensive onboarding to ensure a smooth start
Flexible working models with a 40-hour work week and at least 28.5 vacation days annually
Diverse opportunities for professional development and career growth
Attractive pension plans and commuter subsidies for public transport users
Generous family benefits, including above-average child allowances and voluntary family support
Access to discounts via a voucher platform and subsidized Reka-Checks
An excellent on-site cafeteria

Our employees are very close to our hearts. Each individual can make a difference and develop both professionally and personally. Does this appeal to you? We are looking forward to receiving your online application.

Apply now