Start Date: April 2026 • Location: Spiez, Switzerland

About this Role

We are seeking a structured and proactive Purchasing and Logistics Specialist to manage the operational flow of our supply chain. This role is ideal for an organized professional who thrives on bringing order to complexity, ensuring that our ERP system accurately reflects our physical reality.

You will take ownership of the day-to-day execution of purchasing, logistics, and inventory management. This means this role combines desk and physical work, managing the full lifecycle of our components: issuing purchase orders, coordinating with suppliers, receiving and organizing incoming materials in the warehouse, and maintaining precise ERP records. You will work closely with the Technical Operations Manager, engineering team, finance department, and IT department.

We're looking for a collaborative team member who ensures our supply chain runs smoothly, someone who takes pride in accuracy, adapts when priorities shift, and wants to grow with us as we scale. We're open to candidates at different experience levels, whether you're eager to learn and develop in this area, or you bring deep expertise and want to lead.

Why this Role Matters

Swiss Cluster develops sophisticated thin-film deposition systems (ALD/PVD) for specialized markets including medical devices, optics, and research institutes. Each system comprises thousands of specialized components, sourced from suppliers in Switzerland, Europe and beyond.

Our supply chain is technically complex. You'll work with a wide range of components—machined parts, vacuum pumps, power supplies, chemicals—each with different specifications and suppliers. Because we build modular systems that fit our customer needs, material requirements and timelines have to be properly planned. Success in this role means learning to identify and distinguish these parts, proactively planning for delays and problems, staying flexible when plans change and adapting effectively.

In this environment, operational precision matters. A missing part or inventory mismatch doesn't just create administrative headaches, it can block a critical build and delay delivery to a customer. Conversely, a well-run supply chain gives our engineers confidence that materials will be there when needed, allowing them to focus on technical challenges rather than chasing parts.

Role Roadmap

First 3 Months: Operational Foundations

1. ERP Autonomy: Navigate our ERP system confidently for daily supply chain workflows—purchase orders, goods receipts, stock transactions.
2. Material Flow Clarity: Understand how parts move through our operation, from delivery dock to warehouse shelf to assembly room.
3. PO & Receipt Processing: Keep purchase orders and goods receipts current with no administrative backlog.
4. Supplier Communication: Maintain active contact with key suppliers for order confirmations, delivery tracking, and quotation requests.

Months 4–6: Ownership of Inventory & Logistics

1. Warehouse Accuracy: Own the physical organization of inventory—shelving, labeling, stock locations—so that materials are findable and correctly recorded.
2. Logistics Management: Handle inbound and outbound shipments independently—receiving deliveries, moving materials with warehouse equipment, packing shipments, coordinating customs documentation and freight.
3. ERP-Physical Alignment: Maintain consistency between digital records and physical stock through regular verification.
4. Process Improvement: Identify friction points in the order-to-receipt process and implement practical solutions.

Months 6–12: Efficiency & Reliability

1. Data Quality: Ensure master data in the ERP (part numbers, descriptions, costs, lead times) is accurate and well-maintained.
2. Inventory Optimization: Analyze stock levels, identify slow-moving items, and recommend adjustments to improve cash flow.
3. Cost Visibility: Support Finance by verifying invoices against POs and tracking logistics costs.
4. Cross-Functional Reliability: Become the trusted source for material status—Engineering and Production know they can get accurate answers from you.

Long-Term Growth: Evolve with Us

1. Process Leadership: Drive initiatives to improve cross-functional handoffs and streamline supply chain interfaces.
2. ERP Key User: Serve as the internal reference point for ERP operations and help define requirements for future system improvements, working closely with our IT Team.
3. Documentation: Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) that support scaling production volume.
4. Export Compliance: Build expertise in international export control requirements relevant to deep-tech equipment.

Expertise You Bring

What You’ll Need

1. Commercial Background: Commercial diploma (e.g., Kaufmann/-frau EFZ) or degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
2. Some Operational Experience: At least 1 year in an administrative or operational role—purchasing, logistics, warehouse, or sales administration.
3. Comfortable with ERP Systems: You've worked with ERP or inventory systems before. You'll learn our ERP, what matters is that you pick up tools quickly
4. Digitally Proficient: You work fluently across software tools, spreadsheets, drives, databases, project management and documentation tools. You figure out new platforms easily and eagerly.
5. Organized and Detail-Oriented: You track things through to completion. Open invoices, missing deliveries, mismatched stock—you notice and you follow up.
6. Physically Capable: This role includes regular warehouse work, receiving and unpacking shipments, moving materials with pallet jacks and freight elevators, packing outbound shipments, and organizing stock.
7. Languages: Fluent in English and German (written and spoken) is required.

What Would Set you Apart

1. Deep Purchasing/Logistics Experience: 3+ years in purchasing or logistics specifically
2. Technical Affinity: Genuine interest in understanding technical components—not just processing them, but knowing what they do
3. Technical Environment Background: Experience in hardware, manufacturing, OEM, machinery, or semiconductor companies
4. Import/Export Knowledge: Solid understanding of Swiss customs procedures and Incoterms
5. Data & Reporting Skills: Comfortable building reports, analyzing trends, and dashboards
6. Process Documentation: Track record of writing SOPs or improving operational workflows
7. Export Compliance: Understanding of international shipping regulations and documentation requirements
8. Supplier Management: Experience negotiating with or managing international suppliers
9. Languages: Swiss German fluency is a strong advantage for Swiss suppliers; French or Italian are also valuable

The Mindset We’re Looking For

1. Systematic: You prefer order over chaos. You find satisfaction when the system matches reality.
2. Process-Minded: You notice inefficiencies and want to fix them. You get energy from making things work better, not just keeping them running.
3. Finisher: You close loops. Every missing package, every open PO, every unresolved discrepancy, you track it until it's done.
4. Service-Oriented: You understand that your work enables others. When engineers have what they need, you've done your job well.
5. Adaptable: Priorities shift. Timelines change. You adjust without losing track of what matters.
6. Proactive: You flag problems before they escalate. You don't wait to be asked.
7. Hands-On: You help where needed, even beyond your defined tasks.

What We Can Offer

1. Central Location: Our office, coating center and development space is located directly in front of Spiez train station—30 minutes from Bern. Free parking is available.
2. Time Off: 25 days of paid vacation, plus 7 extra company holidays including our year-end winter break.
3. Parental Leave: 2 additional weeks of parental leave offered for new parents
4. Workload Flexibility: 80% or 60% contracts available to support work-life integration.
5. Flexible Hours: Schedule autonomy.
6. Inclusive, Respectful Culture: A small team (17 people, 10 nationalities) with open communication.

The Recruiting Process

We aim to create space for mutual evaluation: for us to learn about you, and for you to assess whether this role—and our way of working—fit your skills, goals, and values.

Who You Will Meet

Dr. Samuel Lörcher, Technical Operations Manager - Hiring Manager

Samuel leads the Technical Operations at Swiss Cluster. With a strong scientific background, he brings a pragmatic, hands-on approach to supply chain management, bridging the gap between technical requirements and operational reality. As your direct manager, he will look to you to provide the structural and administrative stability that allows the department to scale.

Recruiting: Samuel evaluates your operational discipline, your familiarity with ERP systems, and your ability to bring order to complex logistical challenges. He values candidates who are proactive, attentive, and eager to take ownership of the administrative flow with profound attention and care to details.

Onboarding: He will introduce you to our ERP environment, our supplier network, and the physical warehouse operations, guiding you as you take the reins of our daily logistics, supply chain communication and administrative tasks.

Gabriela Sanchez, COO & Head of People & Culture – Recruiting Lead

Gabriela leads operations at Swiss Cluster AG and is responsible for how our organization scales—both structurally and culturally. As Head of People & Culture, she designs and manages our recruitment and onboarding process to ensure that new team members integrate smoothly.

Recruiting: Gabriela organizes the process and communicates with candidates. She also assesses how candidates think, communicate, and collaborate—and how they’ll engage with the interdisciplinary nature of our work.

Onboarding: Gabriela supports your transition into the organization. She helps align expectations, clarifies workflows and communication norms, and ensures that your early experience is both supported and meaningful.

Stages of the Process

Initial Evaluation: We review all applications within 10 days. If we need more details, we may contact you by email.

45 min Video Interview: You’ll speak with Samuel and Gabriela about your background, experience, and how your skills match the role.

1.5h Onsite Interview: Visit us in Spiez to meet the team, tour the lab, and see our tools in action. We’ll dive deeper into the work and explore how you might contribute.

Offer & Contract: If we’re aligned, we’ll send a formal job offer along with the employment contract.

Onboarding (3 Months): Your onboarding is co-led by Samuel and Gabriela. It covers technical systems, company context, and the space for you to understand how your style and contributions fit with our work. You’ll have time to gain traction, ask questions, and test whether we’re the right place for your next step.

We’ll keep you informed throughout the process as best we can.

How to Apply

Our application form is straightforward. You’ll need to submit:

Your full name

Email address

Work permit status

Your CV (PDF only)

All other fields are optional.

Work Permits

Due to Swiss permit regulations, we currently accept applications from Swiss nationals, EU citizens, and Swiss permit holders.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value different perspectives, backgrounds, and learning paths—and we especially encourage applications from women, underrepresented identities, and neurodivergent candidates. Even if you’re unsure whether you meet every qualification, we urge you to apply. Potential and mindset matter as much as experience.

Data Privacy

By applying, you consent to your data being processed for the purposes of this recruitment. It will be accessible only to our hiring team and retained for six months. You can withdraw consent or request access or corrections by emailing us.

We look forward to hearing from you.