Director - Operations Strategy & CMO, EPD (m/f/d)

25 March 2026
100%
Permanent position
Basel

Job summary

Join Abbott, a leader in health innovation for 125+ years. Enjoy a collaborative work environment with diverse opportunities.

Tasks

Drive global operational strategy and contract manufacturing initiatives.
Lead strategic projects for margin and network optimization.
Manage commercial operations and develop business strategies.

Skills

Bachelor's in Engineering or Business; MBA preferred.
15+ years in operations and strategic leadership roles.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

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About the job

<p>At Abbott, we're committed to helping people live their best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 114,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 160 countries we serve.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Abbott’s Established Pharmaceuticals Division (EPD) is looking to recruit a:</p><h1></h1><h1><b>Director, Operations Strategy & CMO (m/f/d)</b></h1><p></p><p><b>Location</b>: Basel, Switzerland</p><p><b>Division</b>: Established Pharmaceuticals Division (EPD)</p><p><b>Reports to</b>: DVP Operations, EPD</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Primary Job Function</h2><p></p><p>The Director Operations Strategy and CMO is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the global operational strategy across EPD. This role integrates operational excellence, contract manufacturing, and strategic business development to drive profitability, efficiency, and long-term growth.</p><p>The incumbent will lead high-impact strategic initiatives like margin optimization, network optimization, continuous improvement projects carrying the relevant financial and operational goals on these initiatives. This role includes project management of critical and strategic initiatives, independent analysis / assessment of initiatives and the coordination / facilitation of corporate reporting.</p><p>The incumbent will also lead the Commercial Operations (Contract Manufacturing) business, relationship management and supply assurance through collaboration with multi-functional internal teams.</p><h2></h2><h2>Core Responsibilities</h2><p></p><p><u>Strategic Leadership & Execution</u></p><ul><li><p>Own and deploy the Global Operational Excellence strategy across all EPD functions.</p></li><li><p>Lead key strategic initiatives and continuous improvement programs focused on Gross margin improvements including manufacturing efficiency improvements, Product Right First-Time initiatives, Supply Chain and procurement optimization and excellence to contribute to operational excellence and alignment with EPD’s strategy</p></li><li><p>Drive network optimization initiatives across EPD’s manufacturing sites to enhance operational agility, cost efficiency, and supply resilience.</p></li><li><p>Identify and conduct detailed design of strategic / transformational initiatives and projects, bringing in best practices and insights from internal and external sources (market, competition and other industries) into the project design</p></li><li><p>Assess and challenge all departmental processes with an eye towards innovation and continuous improvement.</p></li><li><p>Together with functions and geographies, own the execution and delivery of chosen transformation projects and ensure regular problem solving, tracking and de-bottlenecking.</p></li><li><p>Coordinate and facilitate corporate reporting of the strategic initiatives and business status</p></li><li><p>Ensure that processes meet and reflect EPD overall expectations, secure one set of numbers.</p></li><li><p>Manage external benchmarking agencies.</p></li></ul><h3></h3><p><u>Contract Manufacturing & Business Development</u></p><ul><li><p>Lead the Commercial Operations (Contract Manufacturing) unit.</p></li><li><p>Lead business development efforts, including deal assessments and long-term supply agreements.</p></li><li><p>Collaborate with Legal, Finance, MS&T, and Supply Chain to evaluate and execute strategic deals.</p></li><li><p>Develop and execute marketing and sales strategies for third-party manufacturing.</p></li></ul><h2></h2><p></p><h2>Supervisory Responsibilities</h2><ul><li><p>Direct Reports: 1 - 2</p></li><li><p>Collaborate with internal stakeholders and leadership teams across functions / BUs within Operations and Quality</p></li></ul><h2></h2><p></p><h2>Position Scope</h2><ul><li><p>Division-wide impact across Operations, Quality</p></li><li><p>Responsible for strategic results in profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction.</p></li><li><p>Reports directly to DVP Operations, EPD.</p></li></ul><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2>Qualifications</h2><h3></h3><p><u>Education</u></p><ul><li><p>Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business Management.</p></li><li><p>Graduate from a reputed institute; MBA from a reputed institute highly preferred.</p></li></ul><h2></h2><h2><u>Experience</u></h2><ul><li><p>15+ years in operations, supply chain, or strategic leadership roles.</p></li><li><p>Proven success in managing transitions, strategic initiatives, and cross-cultural teams.</p></li><li><p>Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.</p></li><li><p>Ability to thrive in a matrixed, fast-paced global environment.</p></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p>Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.</p><p></p><p>Connect with us at <a href="http://www.abbott.com/" target="_blank">www.abbott.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Abbott" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/Abbott</a> and on X @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.</p>