Zürich
Head of Procurement Construction and Operations (m/f/d)
- 14 October 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Permanent position
About the job
Head of Procurement Construction and Operations (m/f/d)
Shape procurement where research, innovation and societal progress emerge.
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities in research and teaching. The Procurement Services VPIN department is responsible for procurement related to construction, infrastructure, operations and ICT – economically, legally compliant and sustainably. To expand our procurement organisation, we are looking for a procurement professional who leads a team and shapes procurement around the construction and operation of our infrastructure.
Job Description
- You lead and develop your team. You take on the personnel and professional leadership of a procurement group currently consisting of two employees. An expansion to three to five is planned. You set priorities and promote expertise and personal responsibility.
- You are responsible for your product groups. These include construction services, furniture and interior fittings, utilities, building operation and maintenance, as well as other infrastructure-related product groups. You develop procurement strategies, consolidate requirements and use competition, framework agreements and life cycle costs as levers for economic efficiency and sustainability.
- You manage award procedures according to BöB/VöB. This also includes procedures in the area of international treaties (WTO-GPA). You are responsible for the process from clarifying requirements through evaluation to award preparation and accompany contract conclusion. In doing so, you ensure quality, transparency and legal compliance.
- You design contracts and negotiate. You conduct bid clarifications and negotiations within the permissible scope, design contracts for the assigned product groups and further develop supplier relationships together with the technical managers.
- You get involved early and make procurement more effective. You clarify requirements with the specialist departments and advise them on procurement strategy. You drive standardisation and digitalisation forward, strengthen internal controls and manage using key figures. You work closely with the legal department, other internal stakeholders and other procurement functions.
Profile
You combine commercial thinking with sound award practice and enjoy leadership and collaboration.
- Degree at FH, university or HF level in business administration, engineering, construction, supply chain management or a comparable field, supplemented by further training in procurement or public procurement
- At least six years of experience in strategic and operational procurement, including several years in public procurement, ideally including independently managed procedures in the area of international treaties
- Sound and practical knowledge of Swiss procurement law (BöB/VöB or IVöB)
- Initial leadership experience or several years of project management experience with the desire to develop further as a leader
- Experience in procurement strategy, negotiation, as well as contract and supplier management
- Confident appearance and assertiveness: Even in the face of resistance, you remain objective and achieve sustainable solutions
- Advantageous: Experience with construction, building technology, facility management or energy procurement as well as knowledge of KBOB templates and SIA standards. Experienced procurement professionals from other areas are also welcome.
- Very good German and good English skills, French advantageous; familiarity with digital procurement and tendering tools
We offer
Your profession with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive changes in society.
Working in the Vice Presidency for Infrastructure and Sustainability (VPIN) means actively shaping the future of ETH Zurich – an inspiring, international and innovative institution. Your commitment creates the best conditions for excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer and sustainability at ETH Zurich.
In an open, inspiring atmosphere, trust, reliability and mutual respect form the foundation of our collaboration. We offer not only security but also diverse development opportunities. With us, you can expect meaningful work in an innovative and appreciative environment that you can help shape and that opens up new perspectives for you.
- A leadership role with scope for shaping the development of a growing procurement organisation
- A versatile portfolio from new construction to building operation and energy supply
- Close collaboration with department management and experienced specialists
- Attractive employment conditions as well as diverse training and development opportunities
- A modern workplace in Zurich Oerlikon with flexible working arrangements
Diversity and sustainability are important to us
In line with our values , ETH Zurich supports an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity and foster a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all employees and students are respected. On our Equal Opportunities and Diversity webpage , you can learn how we ensure a fair and open environment where everyone can develop and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Work references
- Relevant diplomas
Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered.
Further information about Procurement Services VPIN can be found on the website . For enquiries, please contact Patrick Müller-Grau, Head of Procurement Services VPIN, at patrick.muellergrau@ethz.ch (no application documents), 044 633 27 61.
Please note that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
For personnel placement, the ETH Zurich terms and conditions apply.