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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Vice President for Operations

Introduction

EPFL is the most cosmopolitan of all European technical universities. It welcomes students, professors and collaborators of more than 120 nationalities, on 5 campuses (Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Sion, Genève and Fribourg)

With both a Swiss and international vocation, EPFL focuses on three missions: education, research and innovation & impact.

EPFL collaborates with an important network of partners, including other universities and colleges, secondary schools and gymnasiums, industry and the economy, politicians and the general public, in order to have a real impact on society.

 

Reporting to the EPFL President and as member of the Direction, EPFL is currently looking for a Vice President for Operations.

Purpose

The Vice President for Operations ensures the smooth running of the various EPFL campuses, with nearly 18,000 students and employees. This notably includes the supervision of security and safety, buildings, technical and digital infrastructures, information systems, and catering for the entire EPFL community.
He or she has the corresponding decision-making powers. The VP Operations will closely collaborate with peers and provide leadership, management, accountability, and technical expertise to steer EPFL.

S/he is responsible for proposing and delivering a clear operational vision within the framework of EPFL’s mission and leads the three Operations domains:

  • Security, Safety, and Facilities Operations: Including security, prevention & health, maintenance of buildings and technical facilities.
  • Development and Construction: Including construction & renovations, food services, and the operations of the Associated Campuses (Neuchâtel, Valais-Wallis, Geneva, and Fribourg).
  • Information Systems: Including the development and implementation of EPFL’s IT strategy and master plan, IT security and infrastructure, application management for core-business, as well as coordination with the schools’ IT teams.

Key Accountabilities

  • Lead a highly skilled and specialized workforce of almost 400 employees, continuously striving to provide the best possible service to the institution and ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations for the three domains.
  • Responsible for implementing transversal strategic projects relating to his/her responsibilities, including major construction, renovation, and digitalization projects.
  • As a member of the Direction, actively participate in efficient and collaborative decisions on the strategic and general management of the institution, beyond operational topics.
  • Build trusted and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, particularly local, cantonal, and federal bodies.
  • Actively contribute to cross-functional collaboration, coordination, and effective communication to agree and articulate strategic and operational priorities, enabling the achievement of EPFL’s missions.
  • Direct and continuously improve key processes for the three domains.
  • Lead the provision of robust facilities and services with the Direction and the ETH Domain to ensure EPFL continues fulfilling its mission in the long term.
  • Allocate resources within the scope of budgetary attributions and ensure effective and rigorous human and financial management for operations.
  • Provide a strong interface with senior management of EPFL and governance bodies, taking the lead in managing interactions with the Real Estate department of the ETH Domain.
  • Collaborate with other institutions of the EPF domain on common projects and share best practices.
  • Lead the network of associated campuses and support their development in collaboration with the VP for Academic Affairs.

Candidate Profile

  • Master’s degree in basic sciences, engineering, communication technology, biomedical sciences, or architecture.
  • MBA or PhD in one of these domains is an asset.
  • Seasoned operations leader with a successful track record in managing similar functions and teams within an innovation-driven organization, ideally with public sector, government agency, or university experience.
  • Purpose- and value-driven personality with strong solution orientation and a consensus-based decision-making style.
  • Strong leadership experience managing large teams of professionals, heading diverse operational functions, and motivated by delegating responsibility and valuing team success.
  • Fluent in French, German, and English.
  • Very strong influencing skills, with a talent for navigating a multi-stakeholder and complex environment.

Contact

EPFL has entrusted this search to Ganci Partners (www.gancipartners.ch).
Please address your application and any questions to the following email address: info@gancipartners.ch, to the attention of Mr. Vincenzo Ganci, Founder and Managing Director.

 

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