Alcon Rotational Leadership Program (RADAR)

Overview

The Accelerated RADAR (Rotational Assignments Developing Alcon Resources) program is a prestigious leadership development initiative at Alcon, designed to fast-track accomplished mid-career professionals into senior leadership roles focused on manufacturing and quality. Spanning approximately 4 to 5 years, participants engage in two strategic rotations, each lasting around 24 months, addressing key enterprise priorities and increasing in scope and responsibilities.

Program Objectives

• Cultivate advanced leadership capabilities through cross-functional rotations in manufacturing, quality, and related areas.
• Provide exposure to global operations, innovative technologies, and highly regulated environments to enhance systems thinking and adaptability.
• Prepare participants for enterprise-wide leadership roles by building both technical expertise and managerial competencies across assignments.
• Promote innovation, risk management, and business continuity via strategic projects and a capstone initiative with measurable results.

Success Criteria

• Demonstrate ability to quickly understand, influence, and lead complex, global manufacturing and quality systems.
• Exhibit adaptability by excelling in unfamiliar functional or organizational domains and establishing credibility swiftly.
• Translate technical knowledge in manufacturing, quality systems, automation, compliance, and data into impactful business and operational outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional teams effectively amidst ambiguity and competing priorities while managing quality, cost, delivery, and risk.
• Enhance organizational capabilities through systems development, governance, talent nurturing, and continuous improvement.
• Progressively undertake enterprise-level accountability in preparation for senior leadership in manufacturing or quality.

Rotational Assignments

Depending on experience, the two main rotations include:

• First Rotation – Enterprise Foundation: Management roles in Automation, Manufacturing, Quality, Materials, Supply Chain, MS&T, or Program Management focusing on enterprise exposure and cross-functional leadership.
• Second Rotation – Enterprise Impact: Senior leadership roles in Manufacturing Operations, Quality Operations, Compliance, Materials Planning, MS&T, or Automation & Engineering emphasizing strategic decisions and business-critical outcomes.

Participants are expected to take on progressively greater responsibilities, preparing them for senior leadership positions.

Program Support and Features

• Dedicated Steering Committee and HR Program Managers.
• Access to Executive and Local Mentors fostering a network of peers and leaders.
• Cohort experience with opportunities to engage senior leadership.
• Leadership development including training, coaching, assessments, and presentations.

Selection & Eligibility

• Candidates are nominated by senior leadership and undergo behavioral and scenario-based interviews focusing on ambiguity, systems thinking, and technical trade-offs.
• Internal applicants require high performance ratings (4/5 or above) and must secure endorsements from local HR, managers, and senior leadership.
• Eligibility criteria include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, at least 5 years of leadership experience, strong problem-solving and communication skills, a global mindset, English fluency, citizenship in the current Alcon country location, and full mobility for relocations and travel.
• Preferred qualifications include experience in MTO/QRA, engineering, manufacturing, quality, project management, Lean/Six Sigma, automation, digital technologies, and regulatory compliance.

Additional Information

This program targets individuals aspiring to senior leadership roles with accountability for entire sites or enterprises. Alcon is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring practices and reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to reach out for accommodation requests related to medical conditions during the recruitment process.