Job Description

We are currently seeking an Associate Director, SCM – Planning and Operational Excellence to join our team and lead the site E2E supply planning activities. This role is pivotal in implementing strategic plans and programs aligned with the broader network, ensuring the attainment of targeted goals and adherence to established timelines.

Your Key Responsibilities

You'll oversee the complete supply chain process, including supply, demand, and materials management.

Manage the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to optimize production schedules and fulfill customer orders.

Ensure the Integrated Product Team (IPT) meets production schedules and efficiently schedules technical engineering development work.

Collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders, SAP stewardship, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for comprehensive supply chain connectivity.

You'll provide tactical and strategic direction for supply chain planning, ensuring compliance, safety, and reliable customer supply.

Facilitate effective communication and integrated supply chain management to support a collaborative work environment.

Lead the Dundalk Production Systems team in implementing continuous improvement tools and approaches in accordance with global standards.

You'll manage the implementation of site hoshin objectives using production systems methodology and partner with cross-functional groups to develop the production systems strategy.

What You Bring to the Team

Required

You hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Science, Engineering, or a related field, or you have over ten years of relevant experience.

Substantial experience in a similar role, including leadership and setting departmental direction.

Expertise in regulatory requirements under Irish, European, and International Codes, including cGMP and GDP.

In-depth understanding of SAP systems and master data management best practices.

Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Proven ability to manage complex projects and develop strategic plans.

Strong influencing skills at all organizational levels, with effective stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred

Experience in manufacturing, particularly within GMP environments.

A proven track record in driving change programs and influencing across a large site.

Experience with Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement

A strong leadership presence in promoting operational excellence.

As a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art vaccines facility spanning over 15,500 square metres across three stories, our Dundalk site will focus on qualification, continued product development and expanding its capabilities within our network. Featuring drug substance manufacturing, drug product manufacturing and quality control labs that will support the global supply of vaccine products - strengthening our ability to make an impact on people and patients worldwide by adding new capabilities to our already industry-leading network.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Cross-Team Collaboration, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Logistics Management, Operations Scheduling, People Leadership, Planning Operations, Production Planning, SAP Management, Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Preferred Skills:

Lean Six Sigma (LSS)

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.

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:

04/25/2026

*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.

Requisition ID:R391703

Associate Director, SCM – Planning and Operational Excellence - Dundalk

Benefits

Job Description