Director, Business Operations (Global Quality Control) at Vaxcyte

Join our Mission to Protect Humankind! Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance. WHAT we do is every bit as important as HOW we do it! Our work together is guided by four enduring core values: *RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered. *AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind. *LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives. *MODEL EXCELLENCE: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making. Summary: The Director, Business Operations (Global QC) will lead the strategic design, implementation, and continuous optimization of global operational frameworks supporting Vaxcyte’s Quality Control (QC) and supporting Analytical interfaces. This role ensures that analytical inputs and QC operations are scalable, compliant, efficient, and aligned with corporate and regulatory expectations as the organization advances from development through commercial readiness. The Director will serve as the central business operations leader for the Global Quality Control, partnering with leaders in Analytical Development, Analytical Science & Technology, Stability, Process Development, Manufacturing Science and Technology (MS&T), and Quality. This individual will drive governance, process standardization, infrastructure development, and cross-functional coordination to enable timely, compliant, and uninterrupted supply of Vaxcyte’s innovative vaccines. Essential Functions: Operational Excellence & Strategy • Lead the design and execution of operational strategies that translate Vaxcyte’s global vision into efficient, compliant, and scalable QC and analytical business operations. • Develop and maintain a global QC operations strategy, ensuring alignment with clinical and commercial objectives. • Implement continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., Plan-Do-Check-Act) to enhance efficiency, scalability, and compliance across analytical and QC processes. • Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that assess operational performance, quality, delivery timelines, and cost efficiency across the global analytics network. • Partner with cross-functional leaders to ensure analytical and QC infrastructure, systems, and processes are integrated into overall business objectives. • Lead initiatives that improve operational automation, data visibility, and process robustness. Governance & Compliance • Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks for QC and analytical operations in alignment with global cGMP regulations and internal quality standards. • Define, visualize, and formalize QC business processes using RASCI principles, ensuring clear ownership and accountability across the analytical network. • Review and enhance the Quality Management System (QMS) infrastructure to close gaps, harmonize SOPs, and strengthen procedural consistency. • Ensure data integrity principles are embedded in all operational practices, compliant with Vaxcyte’s DI policies and global standards. • Support global inspection readiness and lead preparations for regulatory inspections, partner audits, and customer reviews. • Collaborate with Quality to ensure analytical operations and contract testing laboratories meet all compliance requirements. Infrastructure & Systems Leadership • Oversee the development and validation of business systems, data management platforms, and documentation practices across global analytical and QC sites. • Ensure that contract and in-house laboratories maintain robust equipment qualification, calibration, and maintenance programs to support reliable analytical testing. • Lead network and site planning activities, including external partnerships and outsourcing strategies with CDMOs and CROs. • Develop business cases for laboratory expansion, outsourcing scenarios, and infrastructure investments to support strategic growth. Capability Building & Team Leadership • Collaborate and mentor a global team of QC operations professionals to ensure scientific, technical, and operational excellence. • Drive training programs that enhance technical proficiency, compliance culture, and cross-functional understanding within the analytics organization. • Foster a culture of innovation, learning, and continuous improvement across the analytical network. • Collaborate closely with functional heads across Analytical Development, Analytical Science and Technology, Stability, and Manufacturing to harmonize operational practices. • Represent Global Analytics and QC Operations in governance bodies, steering committees, and cross-functional business forums. Requirements: • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or higher) in Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or related field. • 12+ years of progressive experience in Quality Control, Analytical Operations, or Technical Operations within a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company. • Demonstrated leadership in developing and managing operational systems in GMP-regulated environments. • Strong understanding of cGMP, global regulatory requirements, and analytical testing operations. • Proven ability to design and implement business processes, governance models, and performance management systems. • Experience with vendor management and collaboration with CDMOs/CROs on analytical testing and QC operations. • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders. • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills; adept at data-driven decision-making. • Demonstrated passion for process improvement, operational efficiency, and automation Reports to: Head of Quality Control Location: Visp, Switzerland Compensation: The compensation package will be competitive and includes an equity component. Relocation: This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.