Merck

Merck

Director, Operations - Pharm Ops

USA - Virginia - Elkton · Director · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$173k-$273kDetected 10 hours ago
Data AnalysisComplianceProject ManagementBudgetingSupply ChainProcess ImprovementHRISGMPResearchLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingMentoringAdaptabilityLean Manufacturing

About the role

  • As the site matures, the role will transition into full IPT leadership, accountable for safe, compliant, reliable, and efficient pharmaceutical operations, delivery performance, continuous improvement, stewardship, and people development.
  • The incumbent serves as a member of the site leadership team and ensures alignment of site priorities with divisional and company strategies.
  • Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

Responsibilities

  • Provide direction to establish tactical and strategic plans that support Pharm Ops ramp-up and long-term operational success.
  • Partner across the site and with above-site teams to ensure strong coordination, decision-making, and execution.
  • Represent the IPT and the site as needed with internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Lead the development of the future-state operating model for Pharm Ops at Elkton, VA.
  • Support site start-up, ramp-up, and operational readiness activities through project leadership and cross-functional coordination.
  • Ensure safe, compliant, reliable, and right-first-time pharmaceutical operations in support of production and supply objectives.
  • Lead operational reviews and daily management routines to maintain visibility to performance, issues, and priorities.
  • Drive structured problem solving and the use of performance metrics to identify trends, action plans, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Support production planning, resource deployment, and issue resolution to meet site objectives.
  • Support and/or own budget planning and financial stewardship for the IPT, including operating and capital spend.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related scientific/technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Experience leading teams with direct and indirect reports.
  • Strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, regulatory readiness, and safety/environmental practices.
  • Demonstrated experience with operational planning, project leadership, or site ramp-up/start-up activities.
  • Strong business acumen and experience with financial stewardship and resource planning.
  • Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving tools.

Nice to have

  • Master's degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
  • Experience in small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing or oral solid dose operations.
  • Prior experience supporting a manufacturing site start-up, transformation, or ramp-up.
  • Lean Six Sigma certification or deep practical application of Lean tools.
  • Experience in a highly matrixed global manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated success in talent development, employee engagement, and succession planning.
  • Experience with capacity planning, capital planning, supply planning, and S&OP.
  • Familiarity with inspection readiness, deviation management, and broader quality systems in a regulated environment.

Skills

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  • Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
  • US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
  • Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.
  • For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
  • EEOC Know Your Rights
  • EEOC GINA Supplement​
  • Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
  • The salary range for this role is
  • $173,200.00 - $272,600.00
  • More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
  • The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

Compensation

  • The salary range for this role is

Benefits

  • We are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning.

Company info

  • As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
  • As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
  • For more information about personal rights under the U.S.
  • We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
  • Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
  • Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities.
  • All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.
  • No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place.
  • Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific.
  • Please, no phone calls or emails.
  • At our company, we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Equal opportunity

  • Employment laws, visit:
  • We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.
  • This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
  • The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Visa & Work Authorization

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