Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Office
Job Description
Director of Operations – European Clinical Labeling Services
Thermo Fisher Scientific
About Us
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Our colleagues bring our Mission to life every day—enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.
We support our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while advancing science through solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges, from protecting the environment to ensuring food safety and supporting the development of life-saving therapies.
Position Summary
Thermo Fisher Scientific is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Operations to lead our European Clinical Labeling Services. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence across label manufacturing and printing operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products in a regulated environment while maintaining efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
You will play a critical role in shaping both short- and long-term strategies, partnering with cross-functional and global teams, and contributing to the continued growth and innovation of our Clinical Supply Chain services.
This is role is based from our Basel Switzerland Site
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute daily label manufacturing and printing operations across European Clinical Labeling Services, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer expectations
- Provide leadership, direction, and development to a team of managers and supervisors in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement
- Contribute to the long-term strategic direction as a member of the Global Senior Clinical Labeling leadership team
- Partner with global Clinical Services sites and manufacturing teams to design and deliver innovative labeling solutions that meet evolving customer and internal requirements
- Drive customer engagement and business growth, collaborating with Business Development and Label Program Managers to strengthen existing relationships and secure new opportunities
- Establish and execute functional objectives across Client Services, Manufacturing, Label Design, and Business Development, including development of operational plans, budgets, and forecasts
- Design and maintain an effective organizational structure, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and alignment with business priorities
- Implement and enhance operational systems and processes to:
- Optimize resource allocation and workload balance
- Deliver industry-leading service levels
- Provide end-to-end visibility of project timelines (quote to release)
- Enable proactive risk identification and issue resolution
- Ensure clear communication of customer requirements across all functions
- Lead a disciplined operational framework to manage timelines, ensure milestone achievement, and deliver customer-specific projects successfully
- Ensure robust governance across quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, and capital investment planning
- Monitor performance against KPIs and operating plans, providing reporting, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership
- Develop and maintain strategic customer partnerships, supporting tailored solutions and innovative initiatives
- Champion operational excellence initiatives, including Lean manufacturing principles and Thermo Fisher’s PPI (Practical Process Improvement) methodology
- Lead change management and transformation efforts, including digital manufacturing initiatives and process optimization
- Support business continuity and crisis management planning, ensuring operational resilience
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s or Advanced degree with 6–8+ years’ experience in manufacturing operations within regulated industries (GMP/ISO)
- Proven leadership of manufacturing operations with P&L accountability
- Strong track record in operational excellence (Lean, Six Sigma, PPI) and continuous improvement
- Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrix environment
- Demonstrated ability to build and develop high-performing teams
- Strong business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
- Experience driving change management and operational transformation
- Proficiency with ERP systems and digital manufacturing technologies
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
- Customer-focused mindset with a consistent record of delivering results
- Experience in regulated environments, including compliance and quality standards
- Ability to travel up to 25% (international)
