Head of Procurement Construction and Operations (m/f/d)

Introductory text
Shape procurement where research, innovation, and societal progress originate.

ETH Zürich is among the world's leading universities in research and teaching. The Procurement Services VPIN department is responsible for procurement for construction, infrastructure, operations, and ICT – economically, legally compliant, and sustainably. To expand our procurement organization, we are looking for a procurement personality who leads a team and shapes procurement related to the construction and operation of our infrastructure.

Tasks/Job Description
You lead and develop your team. You take on the personnel and professional leadership of a procurement group with currently two employees. An expansion to three to five is planned. You set priorities and promote specialist competence and personal responsibility.
You are responsible for your product groups. These include construction services, furniture and interior fittings, utilities, operation and maintenance of buildings, as well as other infrastructure-related product groups. You develop procurement strategies, bundle requirements, and use competition, framework agreements, and life cycle costs as levers for economic efficiency and sustainability.
You manage award procedures according to BöB/VöB. This also includes procedures in the state treaty area (WTO-GPA). You are responsible for the process from requirements clarification through evaluation to award preparation and accompany the contract conclusion. In doing so, you ensure quality, transparency, and legal compliance.
You design contracts and negotiate. You conduct bid clarifications and negotiations within the permitted framework, design contracts for the assigned product groups, and further develop supplier relationships together with the specialist managers.
You get involved early and make procurement more effective. You clarify requirements with the specialist departments and advise them on procurement strategy. You drive standardization and digitalization, strengthen internal controls, and manage using key figures. In doing so, you work closely with the legal service, other internal stakeholders, and the other procurement functions.

Your Profile
You combine commercial thinking with sound procurement practice and a joy for leadership and cooperation.

Degree at FH, University, or HF level in business administration, engineering, construction, supply chain management, or a comparable field of study, supplemented by further training in procurement or public procurement.
At least six years of experience in strategic and operational procurement, including several years in public procurement, ideally including independently managed procedures in the state treaty area.
Sound and practical knowledge of Swiss procurement law (BöB/VöB or IVöB).
Initial leadership experience or several years of project management experience with the will to develop oneself as a leader.
Experience in procurement strategy, negotiation, and contract and supplier management.
Confident appearance and assertiveness: Even in the face of resistance, you remain objective and achieve sustainable solutions.
Advantageous: Experience with construction, building technology, facility management, or energy procurement as well as knowledge of KBOB templates and SIA standards. Experienced procurement personalities from other areas are also welcome.
Very good German and good English skills, French is an advantage; familiarity with digital procurement and tendering tools.

We Offer
Your profession with impact: Become part of ETH Zürich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive changes in society.

Working in the Vice Presidency for Infrastructure and Sustainability (VPIN) means actively helping to shape the future of ETH Zürich – an inspiring, international, and innovative institution. Your commitment creates the best prerequisites for excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and sustainability at ETH Zürich.

In an open, inspiring atmosphere, trust, reliability, and mutual respect form the foundation of our cooperation. We offer not only security but also diverse development opportunities. With us, you can expect meaningful work in an innovative and appreciative environment that you can help shape and which opens up new perspectives for you.

A leadership task with scope for design in the development of an evolving procurement organization.
A versatile portfolio from new construction to building operations to energy supply.
Close cooperation with the department management and experienced specialists.
Attractive employment conditions as well as diverse training and development opportunities.
A modern workplace in Zürich Oerlikon with flexible working models.

Curious? So are we.
We look forward to your online application with the following documents:

CV
Work certificates
Relevant diplomas
Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications via e-mail or by post will not be considered.

Further information about Procurement Services VPIN can be found on the website. For information, Patrick Müller-Grau, Head of Procurement Services VPIN, is at your disposal: patrick.muellergrau@ethz.ch (no application documents), 044 633 27 61.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

The GTC of ETH Zürich apply to personnel agencies.