Are you ready to lead at the forefront ofVaccinemanufacturing? We have an exciting opportunity for anOperations Lead– Drug Substance & Drug Productto join ourSite Leadership Team in Dundalk
This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in thejourney tocommercialisationofa state-of-the-artVaccinemanufacturing facility—drivingtechnology transfer, operational readiness, and cultural transformationwhile delivering high-quality vaccine products topeopleworldwide.
In this role, you will lead end-to-end manufacturing across Drug Substance and DrugProduct, partneringacross the site and global network to shape strategy, build capability, and deliver operational excellence.
Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following:
Serve as a key member of theSite Leadership Team, contributing to site strategy and execution
Lead and develop cross-functionalmanufacturing teams across Drug Substance & Drug Product
Drivetechnology transfer and commercial readinessforvaccineproduction
Champion aculture of Safety First, Quality Always, and Inclusion for All
Ensure consistent delivery acrossEHS, Quality, Supply, Cost, and Peoplemetrics
Driveoperational performance, including schedule adherence, release timelines, and product lead times
Leadcontinuous improvement initiatives, embedding lean principles and right-first-time culture
Own financial performance, includingbudget management and cost optimization
Build and develop ahigh-performing, engaged workforce, supporting talent and career development
Partner with global stakeholders to deliveron strategic priorities and site goals
What skills you will need:
Degree (Level 8 or higher) inScience, Engineering, or related discipline
10+years’ experiencein Pharma, Biotech, or Vaccineoperationalmanufacturing
8+years of leadership experience, managing high-performingteamsparticularly in Operations.
Strong experience intechnology transfer and operational readiness
Proven experience leading cultural and operational transformation initiatives, embedding new ways of working
Proven ability to leadcross-functional teams at site leadership level
Deep understanding ofcGMP, EHS, and regulatory environments
Experience drivingcontinuous improvement and operational excellence
Strong financial acumen with experience managingbudgets and performance metrics
Experience engaging with regulatory agencies during inspections
Preferred Experience
Experience acrossDrug Product and/or Aseptic Manufacturing(highly desirable)
Background inVirus Manufacturing
Knowledge ofviral containment and biosafety requirements
Required Skills:
Commissioning, Cost Optimization, Culture Strategy, Drug Product Manufacturing, Launch Excellence, Operational Excellence, People Leadership, Technology Transfer
Preferred Skills:
Vaccine Manufacturing
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 bringinginclusive, talented, and committed people together.
Pleasedon'thesitate 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.
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.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
06/12/2026
*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.
At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
