About this role
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.
The Position
About the Role
Roche's External Manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Site Manager to lead China-based supplier and CDMO relationships and serve as the primary external manufacturing contact for China-originated product development and due diligence activities.
Based at our Shanghai facilities, you will manage a diverse supplier portfolio spanning small molecules, peptides, and biologics (including E. coli-derived products). You will own the end-to-end relationship with China CDMOs across the product lifecycle—from supplier selection and technology transfer (where appropriate) through commercial supply and decommissioning—while ensuring full alignment with Roche's quality, compliance, and operational standards.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Selection & Partnership Development
Lead due diligence activities to evaluate CDMO capacity, GMP compliance, and strategic fit
Define outsourcing requirements, manage RFP processes, and drive supplier selection in collaboration with cross-functional teams
Establish governance frameworks and long-term relationships with strategic CDMO partners
Negotiate contracts and commercial terms in alignment with business objectives
Operational & Project Management
Manage technology transfers, product launches, and development activities across multiple CDMOs
Lead cross-functional project and joint management teams spanning development, quality, supply chain, and regulatory functions
Monitor production performance, identify supply constraints, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Own budgets for prelaunch activities, commercial production, and technical projects
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure GMP, quality, safety, and environmental standards are consistently met across all partner sites
Coordinate corporate audits and drive implementation of corrective actions
Perform regular risk reviews and define mitigation strategies with partners
Maintain full regulatory and business compliance throughout all supplier relationships
Strategic Collaboration
Partner with internal stakeholders ( Development, Technical and Business product Teams, procurement, regulatory, quality, Finance) to align supplier strategies with product development timelines and commercial objectives
Serve as the primary relationship manager and escalation point for China CDMO matters
Contribute to cost reduction initiatives and supply chain optimization across the product lifecycle
Who You Are
Experience & Education
10+ years in operations, manufacturing within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment
5+ years managing complex, cross-functional projects or operational units
3+ years leading direct reports or equivalent experience in matrix/cross-functional team leadership
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Life Sciences, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
Demonstrated experience with contract manufacturers, drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP) development, and GMP compliance
Core Competencies
Strategic agility: Balance long-term partnerships with adaptability to changing business needs
Results-driven: Deliver superior outcomes by empowering teams and maintaining focus on key priorities
Leadership & collaboration: Influence at all organizational levels with strong communication and interpersonal skills
Business acumen: Understand cost-of-goods calculations and drive price negotiations
Integrity & accountability: Uphold Roche's code of conduct and hold partners to the same standards
Language & Location
Native fluency or fluency in Mandarin Chinese is essential (written and oral)
Excellent English communication skills
Based full-time in Shanghai at Roche facilities
Prepared for up to 25% domestic and international travel
Local Requirements for Shanghai-Based Candidates
Valid work permit and authorization to work in China / Shanghai
Familiarity with Shanghai's pharmaceutical regulatory environment and local business practices
Knowledge of China's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and regulatory requirements
Why Join Us
We are an agile, purpose-driven organization built on trust and cooperation. You will have the autonomy to co-create solutions, develop your capabilities, and directly impact patient access to innovative medicines. This role offers the opportunity to build and lead a critical supplier network while contributing to Roche's operational excellence and global manufacturing strategy.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Roche is committed to building an inclusive workplace that values and respects the diversity of our employees. We believe that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthen our organization and enable us to better serve patients worldwide. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, and individuals from underrepresented groups in the pharmaceutical industry. Roche provides equal employment opportunities and maintains a workplace free from discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative culture where every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission.
Reporting to: Head of DS Synthetic Molecules , External Manufacturing
Who we are
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.
About Roche
Swiss multinational healthcare company leading in oncology, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
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