Senior Vendor Manager and Project Leader

Position Overview

In a global, cross‑functional environment, the PCR Software Development chapter develops, delivers, and maintains integrated, unified, and reliable software solutions for Molecular Diagnostics Systems. As a Senior Vendor Manager and Project Leader, you will drive collaboration, compliance, and performance of third‑party engagements within Roche Diagnostics Solutions R&D. You will act as the primary interface between the vendor’s delivery manager and Roche, ensuring external partners deliver according to contractual obligations and industry best practices while aligning internal stakeholders to guarantee overall project success.

This role is based in Rotkreuz, Switzerland, and operates under a hybrid model with approximately 50% on‑site presence. Your contributions will directly support the Roche Diagnostics 10‑year ambition.

• Build strong, collaborative vendor partnerships based on transparency and trust, driving daily alignment, stakeholder connections, and domain onboarding.
• Manage operational oversight by conducting regular review meetings and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) to ensure long‑term contractual compliance.
• Partner with vendors and Roche Procurement to draft work orders and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) tied to “at‑risk” amounts for maximum accountability.
• Verify invoicing accuracy against milestones and “at‑risk” delivery outcomes to prevent budget overruns.
• Establish and monitor robust metrics to track feature progress, value realization, and the alignment of development efforts with contractual milestones.
• Guard against scope creep, strictly aligning SOW requirements with the agile backlog while balancing fixed‑price constraints and agile flexibility.
• Lead moderate‑sized squads or ARTs, taking full accountability for delivering engagements within schedule, scope, budget, and quality constraints.
• Enforce a Quality‑First framework (e.g., defect density, V&V rates, technical debt) to ensure vendors prioritize product integrity over pure velocity.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Computer Science.
• Project management certification such as PMP, IPMA LevelB, or equivalent (SAFe certifications like LeadingSAFe are a strong plus).
• In‑depth conceptual and practical knowledge of software engineering, preferably within IVD, regulated environments, agile setups (SAFe), and project management.
• Proven track record in near‑ or offshore software projects and vendor management, backed by excellent intercultural communication skills.
• Strong experience in defining and measuring quality‑driven KPIs, understanding that “done” means compliant, maintainable, and high‑quality.
• Experience preventing scope creep through rigorous change control and negotiation with internal and external stakeholders to successfully maintain project boundaries.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and psychologically safe environment, motivated to make a real impact on fellow team members, the company, and patients.

Switzerland (Rotkreuz). Hybrid working model with approximately 50% on‑site presence. Willingness and ability to travel internationally approximately once per quarter to visit nearshore/offshore partners.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.