Global Head of Engineering & Automation Governance

ABOUT US

PolyPeptide Group AG and its consolidated subsidiaries (“PolyPeptide”) is a focused Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for peptide- and oligonucleotide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients. By supporting its customers mainly in pharma and biotech, it contributes to the health of millions of patients across the world. PolyPeptide offers products and services from pre-clinical through to commercial stages, including generics. Its active custom projects pipeline reflects the opportunities from novel drug therapies in development to fight both widespread and rare diseases. Dating back to 1952, PolyPeptide today runs a global network of six cGMP-certified facilities in Europe, the U.S. and India. PolyPeptide Group AG’s shares (SIX: PPGN) are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange.

We are constantly growing and developing our organization. As part of this process, we provide our employees with a dynamic and stimulating workplace with great opportunities to grow. PolyPeptide offers diverse opportunities for both experts and young professionals throughout the world.

ABOUT THE ROLE

PolyPeptide is on an exciting growth journey, and we are strengthening our Global Operations Team with the addition of a new Global Head of Engineering & Automation Governance, reporting directly to our Director Global Engineering, and collaborating closely with the engineering and automation functions across our six different manufacturing and development sites.

In this role, you will drive CAPEX management and asset investment planning, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives. You will take ownership of project and automation governance frameworks, continuously developing and strengthening project methodologies while ensuring consistent adherence across the business.

A key part of the role involves supporting global Site Capacity Planning activities, as well as contributing to early-phase work for strategic investment projects such as feasibility studies, concept design and basic design.

You will also be responsible for managing engineering standards and design guidelines, driving their consistent application across all sites. Working closely with our Innovation and Technology team, you will develop and maintain User Requirement Specification (URS) standards, particularly for critical equipment.

You will provide project management support to local sites and play an active key role in the execution of global strategic expansion initiatives.

In addition, you will own and further develop global automation architecture standards in collaboration with IS/IT. You will establish and promote best practices and standard operating procedures for automation lifecycle management, while also defining and ensuring compliance with global automation requirements.

Finally, you will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing by driving global communities of practice and facilitating technical forums within the Engineering and Automation function.

YOUR PROFILE

You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or a related discipline); an advanced degree is preferred, and additional business qualifications (e.g. MBA) are considered an advantage.

You bring over 10 years of progressive leadership experience within engineering functions in pharmaceutical, biotech, or CDMO manufacturing environments operating under GMP standards, including exposure to global or multi-site organizations.

You have a proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-million-euro capital investment projects in regulated environments, with strong expertise in project management methodologies. This includes hands-on experience leading front-end phases of major capacity expansion projects, such as feasibility studies, concept design, and basic design.

In addition, you bring:

• Solid experience in harmonizing and aligning engineering and automation functions across multiple sites, including governance structures, SOPs, and subject matter expert networks

• Solid knowledge of cGMP regulations, FDA expectations, and ISPE guidance

• Strong capabilities in asset lifecycle management, reliability engineering, and CAPEX governance, including budgeting and project controlling

• Experience overseeing commissioning and qualification (C&Q) activities within regulated environments

• The ability to translate complex data into clear insights and actionable recommendations for senior management decision-making

You are a highly organized professional with strong attention to detail, complemented by excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

You are capable of influencing stakeholders, driving change, and navigating complex organizational environments.

Furthermore, you:

• Demonstrate strong change management capabilities and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset

• Thrive in cross-functional and international settings, effectively working across geographies to deliver results

• Are a self-starter with a hands-on approach, taking full ownership of responsibilities and outcomes

• Exhibit a strong customer focus, flexibility, and solution-oriented thinking, while acting as a role model for company values such as Innovation, Excellence, and Trust

• Are comfortable working in a global environment, including international travel as required

• Are fluent in English

The position can be based at one of our European sites, including Malmö (Sweden), Braine-l'Alleud (Belgium, Brussels area), or Strasbourg (France).

Does this sound like an exciting challenge?

PolyPeptide offers a great work environment where our co-workers and business are allowed to grow together. We have an open and welcoming atmosphere and are proud of our workplace since we work with the purpose of making life better for patients around the world.

If you enjoy challenges and find it rewarding to influence and improve, we hope that you will find this position intriguing. If you are interested, please submit your application, your CV, a personal letter, and work examples, as soon as possible via our career portal: Grow with us - PolyPeptide Group. We will review the applications on an ongoing basis.