Assoc. Dir., Operations

Job Description

Overview

An 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.

What we're looking for

• 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.

Core competencies

• 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:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Additional information

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.

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