Posted:
1/6/2026, 5:09:28 AM
Location(s):
Shanghai, China
Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Business & Strategy
At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
Primary Purpose of Job (Job Summary)
Roche is advancing a transformative, strategic expansion of its Drug Product operations in Shanghai, establishing a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing site integral to its global supply network.To drive this critical initiative, we seek a Head of Business Service for both New DP site and the existing Small molecule site — a trusted strategic leader, principal executor, and organizational architect for the PT China General Manager.
This is not a traditional support role — it is a high-impact, executive-level leadership position central to shaping the future of the site–leading end-to-end setup, overseeing transition from construction to sustained operations, and ensuring long-term operational excellence. As a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), you will integrate strategy, execution, and culture, serving as the central nexus between the GM, SLT, global functions, and external partners.
We are seeking a visionary, dynamic executive with significant, proven leadership experience in the Biological industry (15+ years), capable of operating at the highest strategic level. With deep expertise in large-scale project delivery and biological manufacturing, you will lead a team of functional experts, drive complex New DP Site End to End Set up programs, spearhead digital transformation (e.g., MES/ASPIRE), and define the organizational strategy that turns vision into reality — securing the success of Roche’s expanded footprint in China.
Principle Roles & Responsibilities / Accountabilities
Strategic / Sparring Partner to the General Manager (GM) & Site Leadership Team (LT)
● Serve as a trusted sparring partner to the GM and SLT, advising on business strategy, organizational design, and cultural transformation.
● Anticipate challenges and synthesize complex data into actionable insights for rapid decision-making.
● Represent the site in global forums (DP/DS networks); act as SPOC for strategy deployment and best practice adoption.
● Function as an “honest broker” across functions and levels — resolving conflicts and driving consensus through influence.
End-to-End Leadership of Strategic Programs, Major Projects
● Lead the end-to-end delivery of high-impact initiatives critical to the successful setup, ramp-up, and long-term operational excellence of the new manufacturing site, with immediate focus on:
○ Oversight of all CAPEX workstreams from concept to qualification, ensuring compliance with GEP, cGMP, and global standards;
○ Execution of capital projects within defined KPIs (scope, time, cost, quality);
○ ASPIRE/MES implementation as Business Leader, aligning system design with GMP, data integrity, and site processes.
● Provide strategic governance for key transformation programs including Dragon WorkStreams and digital factory initiatives, ensuring local execution supports global network goals.
● Own the China PT strategic portfolio—setting priorities, managing resources, tracking performance, and delivering measurable business impact.
● Champion innovation and operational readiness by advancing fit-for-purpose solutions that enable scalability, efficiency, and sustainable compliance.
Site Leadership Enablement Governance
● Act as strategic coordinator between the GM and Site Leadership Team, ensuring timely pre-alignment, consistent communication, and effective decision-making.
● Design, facilitate, and document key leadership forums—including Site Strategic Days, Leadership Deep Dives, Core Team Meetings, and Budget Workshops—to drive clarity, engagement, and accountability.
● Prepare executive-level briefing materials, decision papers, and presentations for internal and global stakeholders.
● Track action items, conduct follow-ups, and run retrospectives to improve team effectiveness.
Team Leadership, Functional Oversight Organizational Capability Building
● Lead, develop, and empower a high-performing team of functional leaders, including but not limited to Operations Excellence (OE), Digital Transformation, Learning & Development, and Business Management, ensuring alignment with site and global strategic priorities.
● Provide strategic direction and performance oversight for key organizational enablers such as:
○ The site’s Operational Excellence (LPS/Lean) program, driving measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and cost;
○ Digital transformation roadmap, including evaluation and adoption of new technologies (e.g., Industry 4.0 tools, data analytics platforms);
○ Site-wide learning strategy, capability development, and training delivery in collaboration with global L&D functions.
● Champion internal communications and employee engagement initiatives to build shared purpose, transparency, and cultural cohesion across the organization.
● Build organizational resilience by fostering talent growth, succession planning, and cross-functional collaboration within a complex matrix environment.
Qualification and Experience
Education/Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related scientific discipline.
● Advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, or PhD) preferred.
● Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in pharmaceutical/biotech industry, with proven leadership in technical operations, CAPEX projects, or greenfield/brownfield manufacturing site start-ups.
● Demonstrated success in driving large-scale organizational transformations within complex, global matrix organizations — spanning strategic planning, operational excellence, and cross-functional execution.
● Proven leadership in end-to-end program management, including experience with digital transformation initiatives such as MES/ERP implementation, Industry 4.0, or smart manufacturing systems.
● At least 5 years of people management experience, leading diverse teams (10 FTEs), with strong capability in both direct supervision and indirect leadership within a matrix environment.
Job Required Competencies
● Strategic Thinking Business Acumen: Proven ability to assess site and network-wide business challenges and opportunities with strategic clarity. Translates long-term vision into practical plans that drive operational excellence and organizational growth. Understands the pharmaceutical manufacturing
landscape, including DP networks, technical operations, and global supply chain dynamics.
● Leadership Matrix Management: Proven ability to lead and develop functional teams in a global matrix environment, providing strategic direction while enabling autonomy and accountability.
Experience managing indirect reports and influencing through expertise, credibility, and structured governance.
● Change Leadership & Innovation Mindset: A proactive change agent who challenges the status quo and fosters curiosity and adaptability. Guides teams through transformation by promoting agility, simplifying processes, and encouraging innovation to build efficient, future-ready ways of working.
● Communication Excellence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in both English and Chinese. Adapts messaging for different audiences—from shop floor to senior leadership—and produces clear, impactful briefings, presentations, and decision documents.
● Problem Solving, Decision Making & Analytical Rigor:Structured thinker with solid analytical skills and sound judgment. Quickly grasps complex issues, synthesizes cross-functional data, and identifies root causes to support timely, evidence-based decisions in fast-moving environments.
● Operational Discipline Technical Fluency: Solid understanding of GxP, GEP, cGMP, and lean methodologies in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Familiar with end-to-end project cycles—including CAPEX, tech transfer, commissioning, and qualification—ensuring quality, compliance, and efficiency are embedded throughout.
● Learning Agility Cross-Functional Integration: Learns quickly in ambiguous or new situations, adapts easily to evolving priorities, and integrates perspectives across functions to develop holistic, sustainable solutions. Approaches work with a mindset of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Languages
● Fluency in both English and Chinese (Mandarin) – required for effective communication across local teams and global headquarters.
A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.
Let’s build a healthier future, together.
Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Website: https://www.roche.com/
Headquarter Location: Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
Employee Count: 10001+
Year Founded: 1896
IPO Status: Public
Last Funding Type: Post-IPO Equity
Industries: Biotechnology ⋅ Health Care ⋅ Health Diagnostics ⋅ Oncology ⋅ Pharmaceutical ⋅ Precision Medicine