Production Manager, 100%

Microcaps is an ETH Zurich spin-off founded in March 2019. Our unique technology allows us to produce highly precise and innovative microcapsules that empower materials to unlock new capabilities; all tailored to various markets from cosmetics to nutraceutical and pharma.

Our first commercial focus is a genuine breakthrough for the perfume industry: alcohol‑free fine fragrances. We already have our first products on the market with reputable brand partners and are now preparing global launches to establish Microcaps as the reference for next‑generation fragrance bases.

With our dedicated perfume factory being finalized in 2025, our mission for 2026 is clear: make alcohol‑free fine fragrance available worldwide.

To strengthen our team in Worben (BE) we are looking for a

Production Manager, 100%

As Production Manager you are responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, cost-conscious, and reliable production operations in full compliance with quality, occupational health & safety (OHS), and environmental standards.

You drive these operations through effective demand and production planning—coordinating personnel, machines, equipment, and intermediate products within agreed cost and resource targets—with the goal of executing production campaigns reliably and without uncontrolled interruptions.

You will be responsible for overseeing the manufacturing of our products at our Worben production site and be the general point of contact for all team members (internal and external as well) and escalation point for the super users on our machines. As the on-site owner of occupational health & safety, you actively promote a strong safety culture and lead by example. You lead and develop the on-site production team with clear, motivating leadership, fostering a positive, accountable, and high-performing working environment.

Leadership and team development:

• Lead, motivate, and develop the on-site production team, fostering a positive, safe, and high-performing working culture
• Train team in best practices of a GMP driven production of cosmetic products

Production performance and KPI framework:

• Define and own the production KPI framework aligned with QOTIF (Quality On Time In Full), while covering e.g. equipment utilization/OEE, yield, schedule adherence
• Set targets and translate them into team- and shift-level objectives

Manufacturing Operations:

• Short-term workforce planning to ensure timely, efficient, and controlled execution of production campaigns
• Short-term resource planning for machines, equipment and materials
• AVOR activities & inventory management supported by relevant tools
• Coordination of daily production activities incl. leading the daily stand-up / shopfloor-meetings
• Coordination of on-site troubleshooting for machines and infrastructure
• Coordination of packing of pallets including documentation in accordance with applicable SOPs
• Coordination of internal logistics between the Microcaps warehouse and our partner's goods dispatch area

Occupational health & safety (OHS):

• Act as the on-site owner of OHS, ensuring compliance with applicable occupational safety regulations and internal standards
• Ensure timely reporting, investigation, and follow-up of incidents and near-misses, including corrective and preventive actions
• Govern safe handling of chemicals and production equipment in accordance with applicable regulations

• Technical or chemical basic training with subsequent further education at HF/FH level (e.g. Process Engineering Technician HF, Certified Process Specialist, Production Manager, Head of Production Operations, or equivalent).
• Ideally more than 10 years of professional experience and at least 5 years of leadership experience in the chemical industry, preferably in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, or comparable sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of the manufacture of chemical products, as well as solid technical expertise in production facilities and production-related IT systems.
• Knowledge of relevant quality standards, in particular ISO 9001 and ISO 22716, as well as experience in a cGMP-regulated environment.
• Additional training in PDCA, Six Sigma, ASGS, or certification as a first aider is an advantage.
• Very good proficiency in Office 365, especially Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• German (at least B2+) and English (at least B2+) spoken and written; French is an advantage.
• Valid Category B driving licence and forklift licence.

• Work permit in Switzerland.

  Skills:

• Committed personality with an open, proactive, and solution-oriented communication style.
• High level of social competence, enabling effective collaboration with various stakeholders and interfaces.
• Extensive experience in direct and indirect leadership.
• Ability to ensure a smooth flow of information between production staff, shifts, or teams, for example through shop floor meetings.
• Understanding of escalation processes, particularly in situations involving supply chain bottlenecks.
• Strong hands-on mentality with a focus on the here and now.
• Structured, well-organized, and self-motivated personality.

What we are offering:

• Performance management incl. bonus system
• 5 weeks of vacation.
• Working with a highly skilled and passionate team.
• The opportunity to participate in building a business that is entirely new. With novel products and unique technology. We are opening new markets working with world-class companies as customers.
• You will help solidify and improve our processes.

Application: Please apply using the form on our Webpage’s Career Site Microcaps(at)ch -- career