On behalf of our client, a global biopharmaceutical company (focus on oncology) with a regional headquarter located in the Basel area and currently more than 9,000 employees worldwide, we are seeking, starting immediately or by arrangement, an “Associate Director, Fleet Operations Management (100%)”. The draft JD reads as follows (with minor adjustments from us):

Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Senior Director, Commercial Business Operations, provide strategic leadership, management and direction to all relevant functions for fleet operations, and lead and assist in global fleet vendor sourcing and procurement
• Ensure that all fleet operations are running smoothly, incl. planning, coordination and management of programs from acquisition, vehicle maintenance to disposal
• Collaborate with relevant partners on the global company fleet policy to maximize efficiency, profitability and reduce liability exposure, incl. communications around fleet policies and operations with external vendors
• Ensure regulatory and legal compliance across multiple countries and markets
• Establish, maintain and improve fleet policies across the region Europe and New Markets
• Responsible for risk and accident management reporting
• Lead fleet internal and external audit preparation. Reconcile and code fleet and fuel invoices for finance department. Prepare and disseminate vehicle selectors. Vehicle maintenance/repair approvals. Yearly reporting and data collection (Personal usage and MVR’s)
• Partner with commercial operations team members to support company fleet drivers and eligible mobility employees
• In collaboration with cross-functional teams, identify key global stakeholders across markets to build a fleet strategy and execute a customer-focused operations model to reduce costs and increase profits, finding means for getting better fuel efficiency
• Oversee and accurately manage business reviews for improved financial savings, progress against measurable KPIs and field operations support
• Manage or support special projects for business planning on ad hoc basis
• Coordinate activities with internal global and regional functions like, e.g., Sourcing and Procurement, Human Resources, Legal & Compliance, EHS, Payroll, Risk Management, Business Financial Systems, Accounts Payable and Receivable, senior management, and all levels of Fleet Operations, incl. communications, training, policy and procedure
• Manage vendor management with, e.g., current and potential leasing companies, vehicle manufacturers, insurance agencies, decal suppliers, equipment and upfitters and industry organizations
• Support and drive the implementation of fleet for EU and NM. Coordinate and align with local resources day to day fleet-related topics

Requirements:

• Bachelor in business administration, project management, operations, marketing and/or a similar field (or similar degree)
• At least 8 years’ experience in regional or international fleet operations management, incl. project and logistics management of major programs, ideally gained in the pharma or biotech industry
• Excellent spoken and written English skills (at least level C1); knowledge of other major European languages like German or Spanish would be an asset
• IT savvy: Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Cvent and Smartsheet, quick learner with interest in exploring and leveraging new technologies and digital (project tracking) tools to improve efficiency and/or transparency
• Self-motivated individual with an ability to develop recommendations with imperfect information; comfortable with ambiguity and with building new ways of executing
• Analytical mindset and strong problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Able to manage multiple complex projects and budgets with conflicting priorities
• Ability to think beyond the function, identifying connections between different areas of the organization to see the broader perspective
• Experience in leading continuous process improvement initiatives
• Prior people management experience a plus
• Ability to business travel of approx. 20-25%
• Residence in the greater Basel area and Swiss work permit, incl. cross-border commuter permit if residence in Germany or France

Place of work: Basel area (with possibility of partial working from home)