Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Support the Business Unit Leader in managing and developing a BU of ~100 employees. Oversee key BU functions with a team of 8 direct reports, including finance & administration, laboratory development & maintenance, safety & environment, business development, marketing, quality, intellectual property, and IT. Organize and lead regular management meetings to steer BU operations and ensure effective decision-making. Develop, negotiate, and manage R&D collaboration agreements and operational partnerships with major Swiss industrial players in the energy sector. Advise the BU Leader on strategic topics and coordinate strategy-definition workshops with the management team.
For the product development of several watches, I managed the operations and finances of an annual portfolio of several millions swiss francs. For those new developments, I defined and negotiated the business elements (investment request, development and product costs, delivery time, organization, etc.) with the customers and internal stakeholders. For optimal productivity, I defined and implemented new organizational structures across departments and business units for digital projects. I frequently solved complex human, technical and commercial issues with internal and external stakeholders.
For several brands of the Swatch Group (Omega, Tissot, Swatch, etc), I led cross-functional research & development teams of up to 20 specialized engineers (mechanical, hardware, software, validation) to successfully transform a concept to an electronic watch produced on an industrial line. For future products, I efficiently led the development of new technology programs with multiple suppliers from the Industry and from Academia. During these programs, I managed the requirements, schedules, budgets, and the quality of the deliverable. For the first generations of connected watches, I played a key role in the digital transformation of a couple of Swatch Group’s companies, required to address the needs of these software-based products. For the definition of the next generation of products, I actively participate in product management teams to define the features and properties of the products. Also, I collaborate tightly with the smartphone application teams to synchronize the content of the watch and of the smartphone’s application.
For space "Cube" satellites, I developed innovative thrusters using nano- and micro-technologies for a famous American-based space company. In this position, I also supervised and coached the research of undergraduate and graduate students, and helped them with their project’s direction and execution.
For space and ground telescopes, I developed innovative micromirror arrays to improve the study of astronomical objects (stars, galaxies, etc). During this development, I collaborated efficiently with several partners and sub-contractors both at the local and the international level. At several occasions, I reported my results at international events in front of a large audience. In addition, I also contributed to the development of several micro-devices for demanding customers such as Carl Zeiss Optics, European Space Agency, and ETA SA.
As a mechanic-electrician, I assembled mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical parts of machines for ICs production. As a controller in the cable division, I enforced the quality of the products.