Job Description

At our company, we are dedicated to being at the forefront of research and innovation to deliver health solutions that improve and save lives. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Operations for Antibiotic and Sterile Regional Operations to join our team. This role is pivotal in managing supply from multiple External Partner (EP) Sites, ensuring world-class performance in service, compliance, and cost. If you are passionate about leading teams, driving productivity, and fostering strong business relationships, we invite you to apply. 

Responsibilities 

Lead a team of 5-10 Operations Managers to manage supply, compliance, and cost. 

Lead the cross-functional team of Operations, Materials Management, Quality, Technology, Analytical, and Procurement to manage all aspects of supply. 

Establish and maintain a high-performing team organization and culture. 

Develop and execute the External Manufacturing Strategy. 

Execute all new product launches and technology transfers on time without issues. 

Develop a risk management process, continuously assess and mitigate supply and compliance risks. 

Responsible for all aspects of 3rd party risk – including EHS, anti-bribery/corruption, labor, etc. 

Exhibit a high level of financial compliance and financial stewardship. 

Develop an industry-leading team of operations managers. 

Drive productivity and discard reduction. 

Drive improvements in service, lead time, and inventory. 

Maintain a high level of GMP compliance across the network of external suppliers. 

Collaborate with Supply Chain Management, upstream and downstream sites to optimize product flow. 

Interface with Business Leaders at External Partners (EPs) as needed to resolve issues and to create business opportunities.

Qualifications 

Required 

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business. 

Minimum ten (10) years of experience in manufacturing and commercial/business functions with a significant portion in management/leadership positions. 

Experience managing complex pharmaceutical facilities and developing and qualifying pharmaceutical facilies - a sterile background is essential.

Minimum eight (8) years of experience in managing sterile operations in quality, operations, or technical operations leadership roles. 

Strong business acumen – able to create win-win situations with 3rd parties; understands and applies economic, financial, and industry data to make business decisions that drive value for the company and our customers. 

Good understanding of Supply Chain principles – drive improvements in service, lead time, inventory. 

Lean Manufacturing and scientific problem-solving skills to ensure year-on-year productivity. 

Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, persuasion, and leadership skills in dealing with a broad variety of cultures on non-routine matters in stressful situations. 

Exemplary people/team leadership experience, including leading and motivating teams. Experienced in establishing performance metrics and holding people accountable for results. 

Strategic Thinking – demonstrated experience with developing strategies and identifying opportunities that add value to the work and proactively mitigate risk. 

End to End Mindset – demonstrated ability to apply understanding of end-to-end supply chain within external and internal network and stakeholders across the network to achieve results. 

Preferred 

Advanced degree. 

Experience in developing and qualifying pharmaceutical facilities. 

Demonstrated ability to motivate an organization around a common vision and deliver expected results. 

Effective problem-solving and analytical skills, successfully navigating matrixed organizations, building consensus, and influencing decision-making. 

Strong communication skills to effectively engage with senior management and across all levels of the business. 

Collaborative nature, with the ability to work with diverse personalities and collaborate effectively with various functions and stakeholders. 

Strategic Planning - Prioritizing and planning; establishing an action plan for self and others to complete work efficiently and on time by setting priorities, establishing timelines, and leveraging resources. 

Join our team and contribute to our mission of using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. 

This role can be based in Europe near one of Our locations.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Secondary Language(s) Job Description:

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.  

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. Please don't hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition Advisor assigned to this role should you need any support during our recruitment process.  

We are committed to flexible working where possible, and this is why our Company has introduced a new hybrid working model for office-based colleagues around the world.  

Please feel free to speak to us about what flexibility means to you during your application or click on the link to find out more about our hybrid working model 

So, if you are ready to: 

Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, please apply today. 

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. 

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Requisition ID:R332398