Assoc. Dir., Operations
Posted 7 days 8 hours ago by Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme
Job Description
OverviewAn exciting opportunity is available to become the Production lead at our Ballydine site on a fixed term contract. The successful candidate will be the Factory 03 Production Lead that runs the day-to-day operations and helps deliver production, quality and continuous improvement targets. The role is also a critical enabler to realise the operationalisation of the BACE project.
As a member of the API IPT leadership team you will manage a small production team, own performance metrics, drive Lean improvements, ensure compliance with cGMP and safety rules, and manage the operating budget.
Key responsibilities- Lead daily operations of Factory 03, coaching and developing a team of production staff (6 direct reports).
- Own and report production performance (inventory, cost, cycle time, customer service) and develop action plans to close gaps.
- Identify and lead Lean/Operational Excellence projects (VSM, 5S, waste elimination, variability reduction).
- Support planning and resolve issues raised in daily/weekly/monthly IPT reviews; ensure resources are deployed to meet targets.
- Strategically plan how Fac03 will be set up in the future to be the flagship small molecule commercialisation facility.
- Ensure all Fac03 activities comply with cGMP, environmental, health & safety and labour regulations; act as a subsystem owner within relevant quality systems.
- Prepare and manage the Factory 3 operating budget
- Act as the production contact for union matters and participate in plant negotiations as required.
- Serve in the site Emergency Control Centre when required and act as delegate for the API IPT Leader when needed.
- Honours degree in Engineering, Science or Business Administration.
- Minimum 5 years' line management experience in a production environment with direct people management.
- Practical experience with Lean/Operational Excellence tools (e.g., VSM, 5S).
- Strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, H&S and environmental regulations.
- Proven skills in planning, problem solving, performance management and communication.
- Leadership and people development
- Results orientation and analytical problem solving
- Budget and inventory management
- Project management and continuous improvement
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
Required Skills:
- Annual Budgeting Process
- Aseptic Operations
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Decision Making
- GMP Compliance
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Leadership
- Lean Management
- Lean Manufacturing
- Lean Process Improvements
- Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement
- Management Process
- Manufacturing Quality Control
- Organizational Performance Management
- Packaging Processes
- People Leadership
- Personnel Administration
- Process Improvements
- Production Management
- Production Ramp Up
- Production Scheduling
- Profit and Loss (P&L) Management
Preferred Skills:
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Additional informationSearch 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.
Employee Status: Temporary (Fixed Term)
Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date: 11/4/2025
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day before the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day before the job posting end date.
Requisition ID: R369559