Improvement Officer - Start-up of a new pharmaceutical facility

Job Description

Shape the future with us

Do you enjoy solving problems, bringing people together, and turning ideas into improvements? At Animal Health, we are building a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility where technology, collaboration, and continuous learning go hand in hand.

As an Improvement Officer, you will help shape the way we work by connecting people, processes, and technology. Together with colleagues across the organization, you will drive meaningful improvements that support safe, reliable manufacturing and contribute to animal health around the world.

Ready to make an impact from day one? We'd love to hear from you.

Improvement Officer

Welcome to our team

We are one of the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies in the Netherlands. For more than 130 years, we have been working on solutions to some of the world's most important health challenges. Across our locations in North Holland and Brabant, approximately 5,000 colleagues contribute to research, development, manufacturing, and supply of medicines and vaccines for both humans and animals.

Our Animal Health site in Boxmeer plays a vital role in the development and production of vaccines and veterinary medicines. Here, you will join a highly collaborative environment where expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement drive everything we do.

About the role

As an Improvement Officer, you will play an important role in the start-up, optimization, and further development of our new production facility.

Success in this role comes from a combination of analytical thinking, collaboration, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Whether your strengths lie in process improvement, data analysis, project coordination, operational excellence, or stakeholder management, we encourage you to apply. We believe diverse perspectives help us build stronger teams and better solutions.

 In this role, you will:

• Analyze production processes and data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Initiate, coordinate, or support operational and technical improvements, including automation-related changes.
• Support the implementation and optimization of new equipment, manufacturing processes, and ways of working.
• Contribute to product transfers and process optimization activities.
• Maintain and manage relevant production data in SAP.
• Prepare and coordinate change controls related to systems, equipment, and processes.
• Collaborate with Maintenance & Reliability to improve equipment performance and maintenance strategies.
• Develop expertise in production software and support colleagues in the effective use of digital tools.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects where solutions are developed collaboratively
• Review and improve SOPs, protocols, logbooks, and work instructions.
• Share knowledge through coaching, training, and day-to-day support.
• Support the implementation and optimization of digital manufacturing technologies, including MES/EBR, OEE+, RTMS, and MDH.

Your profile

We are looking for a curious and collaborative professional who combines analytical thinking with a practical approach and a passion for continuous improvement.

We recognize that talent and experience come in many forms. You may be a great fit if you bring some of the following:

• A completed HBO degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience within a regulated manufacturing environment, such as pharmaceutical, food, chemical, medical device, or similar industries.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean and/or Six Sigma.

• Interest in manufacturing processes, digital technologies, data, and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to translate complex findings into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively in Dutch and/or English.
• A strong focus on safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous learning.

A note about applying

Research shows that some people only apply when they meet every requirement, while others apply when they meet only a few. We are interested in your potential as much as your experience.

If this opportunity excites you and you believe your skills, experiences, or perspective could contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Why this Role?

This is a unique opportunity to join a new manufacturing facility at an exciting stage of growth and development. You will have the chance to:

• Help shape a new production environment from day one.
• Deliver visible improvements that directly impact operational performance.
• Work with modern manufacturing technologies and digital systems.
• Collaborate with colleagues across multiple disciplines.
• Develop expertise in continuous improvement, automation, and change management.
• Contribute to the health and well-being of animals around the world.

What we offer

We know that our employees are at the heart of our success. Therefore, we strive to create an environment where everyone can grow, develop, and make a meaningful impact.

In return for your talent and commitment, we offer:

• A competitive salary based on your knowledge, experience, and qualifications.
• A 3% year-end allowance and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• At least 35.5 days of annual leave.
• An attractive pension scheme and travel expense reimbursement.
• Extensive training, coaching, and personal development opportunities.
• Career opportunities across different disciplines and international functions.
• A modern on-site restaurant with fresh and healthy meal options.
• Excellent accessibility by public transport, including a train station directly at the site entrance. Ample on-site parking facilities.
• A contribution towards your gym or sports membership.
• Access to our beautiful on-site park for walking, relaxation, and outdoor breaks.
• Mental well-being support through Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• A dedicated prayer and meditation room.
• The opportunity to grow within an organization that continues to invest in people, innovation, and the future.

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicines, vaccines, and health management solutions. Through innovation and collaboration, we help veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and producers improve the health and well-being of animals worldwide.

Together, we are helping create a healthier future for animals, people, and the communities we serve.

Do you have questions about this vacancy?

Please send your question along with the vacancy number and job title to this email address: [email protected]. Applications can only be submitted via the website.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

Collaboration, Communication, Continuous Improvement, Process Improvements, Teamwork

Preferred Skills:

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

01/7/2027

*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.