Executive Director, Large Molecule External Manufacturing Technical Operations

Our Large Molecules External Manufacturing network spans US, EU and AP, and includes the drug substance and drug product manufacture of vaccines and biologics products. The LM External Manufacturing Technical Operations organization provides technical oversight to established commercial products and new product introductions within this complex network. The Large Molecule External Manufacturing (LM ExM) Technical Operations lead, reporting to the Global Science, Engineering and Commercialization (GSEC) Large Molecules Technical Operations leader, will be accountable for managing this organization, and providing technical guidance and oversight to our external network of CMO partnerships across biologics and vaccines (Drug Substance and Drug Product) for both commercial and pipeline products.

The qualified candidate will bring a passion for people development, a drive technical depth, and will maintain and expand collaborative partnerships with Operations, Quality and Commercialization partners to ensure that technical support flowing into established Virtual Focus Factories is aligned with the needs and expectations of each external site and aligns with the overall strategy of creating an efficient, robust, compliant, cost-effective supply for our portfolio of life saving products.

Primary Responsibilities

In this role, the qualified candidate will drive technical rigor and structured support for technology transfer of pipeline and in line products to new and established CMO partnerships, as well as provide in depth technical support to and monitoring of establish products across our network of CMO partnerships. They will bring practical experience and expertise across vaccines and biologics to support right-first-time technology transfer, efficient and effective resolution of complex investigations, sustained robust process performance, and continuous improvement. This individual will also be tasked with evolving the strategy and operating model for technical support in a manner that leverages the broader capability of our LM S&T network to drive for scientific excellence and efficiency, while maintaining clear accountability for robust performance across all LM CMO partners.

In addition to providing technical leadership, the qualified candidate will have a demonstrated ability to attract, coach and develop talent and to build an inclusive culture that leverages diverse talent to fully enable a high performing team and organization. They will foster a highly collaborative and inclusive environment within the team and across the interconnected, interdependent global network for the all the areas of responsibilities within scope, demonstrating a boundary less organizational mindset (right people, place, time).

Minimum Education Requirement

• PhD in life sciences or equivalent with ten (10) years of relevant experience
• Master of Science (MS) Degree in life sciences or equivalent with twelve (12) years of relevant experience
• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in life sciences or equivalent with fifteen (15) years of relevant experience

Required Experience And Skills

• Engages partners and performs work with a service mindset
• Support and sponsor teams, and remove barriers as needed
• Ability to solve complex problems and create solutions that drive value
• Organizational management and experience building lean and agile teams
• In-depth knowledge of financial systems (budgets, expenses, product standards and variances)
• Technical Expertise in one or more of the following areas: Biologics, Vaccines, Sterile, Engineering, or Life Sciences with a demonstrated track record of applying scientific, technical knowledge and problem-solving approaches to deliver business results.
• Understanding of cost levers across tiers driving productivity at all levels
• Build diverse talent with the capabilities necessary for future success.
• Communicates a sense of urgency, high performance bars and changes to deliverables in a timely manner with workgroup and stakeholders.
• Ability to drive technical excellence by modeling and teaching scientific problem-solving approaches to group and peers, and leveraging network capabilities and expertise
• Balances technical rigor and business outcomes effectively in solving problems

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Desired: Green belt or demonstrated Lean Six Sigma track record

Our Manufacturing & Supply Division is dedicated to being the most trusted supplier of biopharmaceuticals worldwide. Our facilities, along with our external contractors, suppliers, and partners, create a reliable global manufacturing network that’s devoted to delivering a high-quality, reliable supply to customers and patients on time, every time.

Who We Are …

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What We Look For …

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

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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. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

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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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Requisition ID:R242090