Head of Site Operations (Pharmaceutical R&D)

Overview

We are seeking a Head of Site Operations to lead a prominent pharmaceutical research and development facility in Heidelberg, Germany. This role demands on-site presence for at least four days a week and requires fluency in both English and German. The ideal candidate will oversee site functions including facilities, infrastructure, engineering services, and capital projects within a dynamic and innovative scientific environment.

Role and Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of site operations, including facility management, infrastructure development, engineering services, and execution of capital projects.
• Design and implement a comprehensive site transformation plan emphasizing operational excellence, governance, enhanced customer experience, and continuous development.
• Serve as the operational liaison between business leadership and scientific teams at the local site.
• Oversee relationships with outsourced service providers, ensuring adherence to key performance indicators, service level agreements, and quality standards.
• Maintain operational safety and compliance across quality assurance, environmental health and safety, and regulatory protocols.
• Prepare and control annual operational budgets and long-term investment strategies for the facility.
• Promote infrastructure reliability, sustainability initiatives, and maintain business continuity plans.
• Lead governance committees and facilitate cross-departmental decision-making processes.
• Address operational challenges by coordinating multiple stakeholders to ensure effective solutions and execution.
• Develop and lead a compact local team while influencing a broader network of partners internally and externally.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• Extensive leadership experience in site operations, facilities management, engineering services, or capital project management within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industries.
• Demonstrated success in guiding organizational transformations, driving operational improvements, and managing change initiatives.
• Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, with a history of engaging senior leaders, scientific staff, engineering experts, and external contractors.
• Experience managing outsourced vendor relationships and contractor-based operations.
• Strong financial acumen for managing operational and capital budgets.
• Proficiency in English and German is required.

Preferred Skills

• Background in pharmaceutical R&D environments.
• Familiarity with GMP, GxP, laboratory or research facility operational standards.
• Experience in technical operations leadership, facilities management, or engineering services.
• Knowledge of multi-disciplinary scientific campuses or complex research infrastructure.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead operations at a key pharmaceutical R&D site with global recognition.
• Contribute significantly to a strategic site transformation initiative.
• Work collaboratively alongside leading scientists and specialists in a research-driven atmosphere.
• Engage closely with senior leadership and influence the long-term operational direction of the site.
• Enjoy autonomy to deliver impactful operational changes that endure.