Job Description

Join our global animal health operations management team and collaborate with diverse teams across borders. Enjoy high visibility as you drive transformative initiatives that span the globe.

For our Animal Health organization, we are currently recruiting a Global Manufacturing Operational Excellence Lead (Animal Health)

Welcome to our team

Our global animal health manufacturing network manufacture and package animal health products according to Good Manufacturing Practices standards (GMP) and is working according to our in-house developed production system (MPS), which is based on Lean Six Sigma and inclusion principles. Our global department Operational Excellence (~17 FTE) serves as the global hub for expertise in lean management and continuous improvement, with a focus on developing and executing strategies to enhance personnel, optimize the supply chain, and boost productivity throughout our Global Animal Health Manufacturing network. The team partners with our manufacturing organization to drive MPS/lean deployment, thereby contributing to the enhancement of our business performance.

Purpose of the role

Reporting into the Vice President of Global Animal Health Manufacturing (GAHM) and as part of the GAHM Operations leadership team, you will drive excellence in our global manufacturing activities and projects through effective portfolio and project management. You will prioritize initiatives, enhance collaboration, and promote best practice sharing. You will lead a dynamic team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to driving continuous improvement while significantly reducing operational spend. Your leadership will be pivotal in achieving financial enhancements, advancing our MPS roadmap, and integrating MPS principles into our inline product supply processes. This role requires strong collaboration with cross-functional excellence teams, including Quality, Science & Technology, and Global Supply Chain Management, as well as with the Regional Leads of GAHM Operations.

This role can be based in: Boxmeer (NL), Rahway, NJ or West Point, PA (U.S.).

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead and mentor two teams of Operational Excellence professionals—one based in Europe and the other in the U.S.—along with seven network execution program leads, guiding them to achieve optimal performance and exceed organizational goals globally (Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific).
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement using lean tools and methodologies.
• Coach and mentor team members at all levels to promote innovative problem-solving and waste reduction.
• Drive measurable reductions in operational spending through effective continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage the GAHM Productivity Program (DRIVE) to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Develop and manage a robust Management Control System for GAHM Operations.
• Drive standardization across Animal Health Manufacturing to ensure consistent operational practices.
• Initiate and implement Lean roadmaps focusing on Standard Work, Visual Management, Problem Solving, and Active Leadership.
• Strengthen collaboration with Animal Health Manufacturing IT to streamline processes through the digitization roadmap.
• Lead and support the annual five-year planning and budgeting cycle, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop and execute strategies to support supply performance and productivity improvements (Hoshin Kanri) for GAHM Operations.
• Establish and maintain global process ownership for manufacturing processes.
• Support ongoing personal development in lean management, operations management, people management, and change management.

Your profile

• A relevant master’s degree (e.g., Business Administration, Engineering, Master of Science).
• Extensive experience in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives within (biopharmaceutical) manufacturing.
• Strong experience as People Manager including Performance/Change management and People development.
• Proven track record of delivering strategic support for lean deployment initiatives that significantly enhance business outcomes and drive operational excellence, along with certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt) to effectively lead continuous improvement projects and initiatives.
• Proficiency in portfolio and project management methodologies to prioritize and oversee multiple initiatives effectively.
• Experience in budget management and cost reduction strategies to achieve financial enhancements and reduce operational spending.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage change within an organization, facilitating transitions to new processes and systems smoothly.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of your time globally.

What we offer

This role presents an exciting opportunity for a proactive leader who is passionate about driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within a global manufacturing organization. Your efforts will be instrumental in achieving our business goals, enhancing supply chain performance, and creating lasting financial impact. Benefits are competitive and depend on the job location.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

For questions about this vacancy

Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: [email protected]

Applications can only be submitted via our career site.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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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