Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the role

VAULTED AG, a Swiss deep-tech scale-up founded at ETH Zurich and EMPA, develops the Rippmann Floor System, a prefabricated structural floor system that cuts concrete, steel and embodied carbon use. It is now entering a growth phase across Switzerland, Belgium, the UK and the US. The COO is a 100% role based in Dübendorf, reporting to the CEO, starting in Q1 2027. The person takes ownership once a project is won and oversees project delivery, project management, supplier and prefabrication partnerships, operational contracting and project economics.

Key responsibilities

• Build and lead the operating model for reliable, efficient project delivery, overseeing project management and setting execution standards.
• Set up disciplined project controlling across budgets, costs, forecasts, changes and margins.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate and manage production partners, suppliers and prefabricators across relevant markets.
• Shape supplier and operational contracts, procurement approaches and partnership models.
• Connect project management, engineering, design, R&D and commercial teams and ensure smooth handovers from sales to execution.
• Turn project learnings into improved processes, standards and supplier setups, and build operational readiness for Switzerland, Belgium, the UK, the US and future markets.

Required profile

• Typically 8+ years of experience in project delivery, operations, construction, architecture or prefabrication, preferably with an engineering background.
• Proven responsibility for complex, multi-stakeholder projects or project portfolios.
• Strong commercial and financial discipline, including budgets, cost drivers, forecasting, margins, change management and operational risk.
• Experience negotiating and managing suppliers, production partners, contracts and long-term relationships.
• Fluency in English; German is a strong advantage.
• Based in Zurich/Dübendorf or willing to work primarily from Dübendorf, with occasional national and international travel to sites.