Learning & development

The personal and career development of our employees helps us create a proud and talented workforce dedicated to our vision – to provide new health solutions advancing human life. We provide learning and development solutions that:

• Build on the Octapharma values and culture;

• Meet your needs and those of the business.

We provide a stimulating and challenging environment in which you can pursue personal and professional growth as well as a fulfilling long-term career.

Corporate trainee programme

Every year, we recruit enthusiastic graduates who have an interest in the pharmaceutical industry and fully immerse them in how we work. Each intake usually consists of 10–12 graduates. This number can vary according to the needs of the business or the quality of the applicants.

Trainees can work in Octapharma’s many functional areas to gain “on-the-job” experience:

• Have the opportunity to work abroad;

• Develop networking skills on an international level;

• Benefit from mentoring by experienced colleagues.

Our requirements:

• You must be a recent university graduate. Graduates in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, engineering and management are of particular interest, but we have corporate trainees from many other subject areas too;

• Maximum two years of work experience (excl. internships);

• Aspiring attitude and excellent communication skills;

• Fluency in English (additional languages a plus);

• Flexible team player;

• Willing to move internationally for work assignments.

Find our Corporate Trainee Programme openings here: available opportunities

Digital learning opportunities

All employees have the opportunity to enhance their skillset by using our digital learning programme. The programme is available in several languages and covers business, functional, personal and leadership competencies. Being an online programme, employees can fit their study into a time that is convenient for them.

Management development centres

As part of our commitment to continuous personal development, Octapharma offers all managers opportunities for their professional growth in its bespoke management development centres. The centres offer managers the chance to participate in realistic business simulations built on the Octapharma set of competencies and values. Managers receive constructive and comprehensive feedback on their competencies. This initiates a process which leads to a personal development plan that involves their supervisor and will provide essential support for their further career.

INSEAD collaboration

Octapharma and INSEAD (European Institute of Business Administration) have co-created the “Octapharma Leadership Journey”, a customised executive development program with a modular approach. Intended for middle management, the program is built on the Octapharma values of Ownership, Integrity, Leadership, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, making it a unique learning experience. It complements our existing development landscape to build a deeper, stronger and more diverse leadership pipeline, supporting our fast growth and empowering our employees.

Career paths

Octapharma defines career paths for several functions. These provide a framework for achieving individual and team goals. The purpose is to support our people in their development and to ensure they are in the right position for optimum job satisfaction. With a clear set of defined competencies, experiences, tools and training programmes, we provide transparency and fairness throughout your career.

As an example, let’s look at how it works in Octapharma project management. There are three project management roles defined: 

• Level 1 (Junior Project Manager)

• Level 2 (Project Manager)

• Level 3 (Senior Project Manager)

Working at Octapharma is highly rewarding for those who like seeing ideas turn into reality and who enjoy working together on unique projects with international colleagues.

Our career development activities will help you create your future by enabling you to explore your options, plan your actions and find the best role for you within the company.