JOB DESCRIPTION:
Supervisor Quality Release
Zurich, Switzerland | Thoratec Switzerland GmbH (Abbott)
Build life‑saving technology — in an environment where people and growth matter.
At Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, part of Abbott’s medical device division, we design and manufacture life‑saving heart pump systems used by patients with advanced heart failure around the world. Our products — including CentriMag and HeartMate 3 — are developed and produced at our Zurich site and support patients every day in critical care settings.
With around 140 colleagues across Development, Quality, and Production, our Zurich site combines deep technical expertise with a strong sense of purpose and teamwork. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a Supervisor Quality Release who enjoys collaboration, learning, and leading with care, while contributing to work that truly makes a difference.
About the Role
In this role, you will lead and support the Quality Release team, ensuring that our products are released safely, compliantly, and efficiently. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Regulatory and other partners, combining technical judgment, people leadership, and continuous improvement.
This position offers a high level of autonomy, strong cross‑functional exposure, and the opportunity to develop both your leadership and quality expertise in a regulated, mission‑driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
People & Team Leadership
- Lead and support a Quality Release team of 5–10 colleagues, fostering a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive team culture
- Set clear, achievable goals aligned with site and company objectives
- Provide guidance, feedback, and career development support for team members
- Allocate tasks and resources thoughtfully to ensure high‑quality, compliant work
Product Release & Compliance
- Oversee and perform product release and acceptance activities, ensuring products released to the market are safe and effective
- Review production and quality records with relevant stakeholders
- Promote and continuously improve GDP/GMP compliance in documentation and release processes
- Act as the final decision authority for product release within your scope
Continuous Improvement & Projects
- Lead or sponsor quality improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, simplification, and compliance
- Manage site‑specific quality projects, creating realistic plans and aligning milestones with cross‑functional partners (Manufacturing, Regulatory, Finance, etc.)
- Support audits and inspections, taking accountability for quality release decisions
Collaboration & Communication
- Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues without disrupting production
- Represent the Quality Release team in Tier meetings and cross‑functional forums
- Train and coach Quality Release operators on release processes and GDP principles
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- 4–6 years of experience in Quality, Quality Control, or a regulated environment (e.g. medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food, aerospace)
- People leadership experience (ideally 2+ years), or clear readiness to step into a team‑lead role
- Knowledge of ISO 13485, global medical device regulations (21 CFR Part 820, EU MDD/MDR); MDSAP is a plus
- Experience with Class II or Class III medical devices is an advantage
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Fluent English; German at B1 or higher
If you don’t meet all requirements but feel excited about this role, we strongly encourage you to apply.
We value potential, learning mindset, and motivation as much as specific experience.
Why Join Abbott / Thoratec?
At Abbott, we believe people do their best work when they feel supported, respected, and able to grow. You can expect:
- Work that directly improves and saves lives
- Long‑term career development in a global healthcare organization
- A stable, crisis‑resilient industry
- A collaborative, international, and highly skilled team
- A modern workplace in the heart of Zurich
- An inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued
Ready to Apply?
We are looking for someone who wants to grow, contribute, and lead with purpose — not someone who checks every single box.
If this role resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply via:
Abbott Jobs | Apply Now | Abbott Laboratories Careers
The base pay for this position is
N/A
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY:
Operations Quality
DIVISION:
HF Heart Failure
LOCATION:
Switzerland : Technoparkstrass 1 CH 8005
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
WORK SHIFT:
Standard
TRAVEL:
Not specified
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
Not Applicable
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Not Applicable
