Turning a simple idea into a global platform

If you’ve heard someone at Octapharma refer to “the Octanet guy,” they’re likely to be talking about Rob Bateman. As a Group Senior Manager within Corporate IT, Rob leads the Digital Workplace team, focusing on the tools that power how Octapharma collaborates – Webex, Microsoft 365, Power Platform and, of course, Octanet.

But Rob didn’t start in IT. His journey at Octapharma began in 2009 in the UK office as a supply chain manager. “My background was in logistics and demand forecasting,” he explains. “But I became fascinated by collaboration tools like SharePoint and how they could simplify work. I used them to improve processes in my supply chain role – and the more I explored, the more I saw their potential across the business.”

Before long, colleagues began asking Rob for help. “I started setting up online spaces for other departments and became known as someone who could define and automate business processes. That was the turning point.”

In 2014, when a full-time role working with SharePoint and Octanet opened in Lachen, Rob took the leap – relocating to Switzerland with his family. “It was a huge life change, but the support I received made all the difference. People went out of their way to make me feel welcome.”

Making people's lives better

Today, Rob’s team is responsible for ensuring that communication and collaboration work. “Whether it’s a phone call, sharing a document, or automating a task, my goal is to make these things happen as seamlessly – and as invisibly – as possible”.

“When technology feels intuitive, it frees people up to focus on what really matters.”

This philosophy ties directly into Octapharma’s broader vision. “We support the people who drive our vision forward. If we can help make their day more efficient or enjoyable, then we’ve contributed in a meaningful way.”

Rob describes Octapharma as a place where innovation and initiative are truly encouraged. “If I have an idea that’s worth listening to, someone will take the time to hear it. That might sound a small thing, but it’s huge – and it’s a big part of what makes Octapharma such an innovative company.”

That spirit of openness is something Rob now pays forward. “I’ve seen first hand how drive and talent are nurtured here, and I do my best to create that same environment within my team.”

A creative solver

Of Octapharma’s five core values, Rob connects most deeply with Entrepreneurship. “To me, entrepreneurship is about turning ideas into action. I think one of the things I’m good at is coming up with new ideas, and Octapharma has always actively encouraged that.”

One very key project Rob is especially proud of is Octanet – the company’s internal digital collaboration platform. “I’ve worked on multiple versions of it over the years to get us to where we are today. It’s a constantly evolving environment, with one of the largest user bases in the entire company. It’s available in multiple languages and supports every corner of the business.”

And the results of the hours spent on Octanet speak for themselves. “In our annual IT survey, Octanet and our other collaboration tools consistently rank in the top five for user satisfaction. To me, that’s what matters most — that people find real value in the services we provide. That kind of feedback is incredibly rewarding.”

A real family feel

For Rob, the family-owned nature of Octapharma is more than a label – it’s a lived experience. “'Family is baked into the culture here. When I moved to Switzerland, the kindness and support I received from colleagues made a huge difference for me and my family. It turned a big life change into a smooth transition.”

That sense of stability, he says, is vital. “It means I can look ahead with confidence, not just professionally, but personally. It’s part of what makes Octapharma special.”

Working in a pharmaceutical company brings added weight to every decision. “Our products affect people’s lives,” Rob says. “Trust — whether in the systems we use or the people behind them — is absolutely essential.”

When asked if he’d recommend that someone join Octapharma, Rob is quick to answer. “Absolutely. This is a company where your work matters, your ideas are valued, and you’re surrounded by people who want to make a difference. I’m proud to be part of it.”