Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for Lab Digital Support Operations (AD) to join the team at our biologics manufacturing site in Dunboyne, County Meath. The facility is a premier, state-of-the-art facility that enables and advances our best work. By integrating leading-edge technology with a dynamic, activity-based workspace, the facility will support seamless connection and collaboration within and across teams and functions. 

The Associate Director of Lab Digital Support Operations is responsible for leading a team of FTEs and contractors, delivering high-quality IT support for lab operations at Dunboyne. This role oversees team development, performance management, and strategic goal setting, ensuring alignment with both site and corporate objectives. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, diversity, and inclusion within the Lab IT team. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the digital transformation of lab operations at Dunboyne, driving innovation and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of FTEs and contractors, fostering a culture prioritizing diversity, inclusion, safety, quality, and compliance.Oversee performance evaluations, career development, and salary reviews, ensuring alignment with site and corporate policies.Build strong collaborative relationships between Lab IT and other departments including QC and Manufacturing.Provide clear direction, establish high standards, and assess team performance to deliver top-tier Lab IT support.Establish goals and KPIs for the Lab IT team, ensuring alignment with QC, manufacturing, site and corporate objectives.Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the Lab IT landscape to achieve year-on-year productivity gains.Collaborate with off-site Value Teams (VTs) to prioritize and deploy initiatives that improve digital maturity in lab operations.Conduct Pareto analysis and review incident trends to ensure efficient resolution and prevent repeat issues.Monitor key metrics and ensure timely closure of safety, quality, and compliance actions, including QNs, CAPAs, and Change Controls.Ensure audit readiness for lab IT systems, particularly in areas related to quality metrics.Develop and manage budgets, maintaining operational efficiency.Collaborate with the business to ensure all lab equipment purchases align with IT standards and integrate seamlessly with site infrastructure.Maintain Lab IT systems’ reliability, enhancing efficiency through technology.Oversee IT system validation and ensure all changes, including security patches, are properly assessed for software compatibility.Stay current with Lab IT trends and technologies, recommending new solutions and improvements.Coordinate with regional and global teams to standardize processes and procedures across lab IT systems.Liaise with counterparts at other sites to rotate resources efficiently and provide out-of-hours support cost-effectively.Manage vendor relationships, ensuring their services meet quality and contractual obligations.Lead stakeholder engagement to manage IT change initiatives effectively and communicate priorities clearly.Strategically influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership to advance Lab IT goals.Top of Form

Your profile

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in information technology, Engineering, or a related field.Relevant certifications in IT or project management (e.g., ITIL, PMP) are highly desirable.Proven experience in leadership roles, preferably in lab or manufacturing IT environments.Experience managing IT systems in regulated environments with a focus on compliance and system validation.Demonstrated success in leading teams and driving continuous improvement.Strong leadership and mentorship abilities, inspiring teams to achieve high performance.Excellent problem-solving skills with adaptability in fast-paced environments.Expertise in stakeholder engagement and change management to ensure smooth transitions.A balanced combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills, with strategic thinking and effective communication.

We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world’s most challenging healthcare needs. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment.

So, if you are ready to:

Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, Impact the future by driving one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, and inspire your team to reach their full potential and push the boundaries of science and technology, please apply today.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

02/12/2025

*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:R333486