Job Description

An exciting opportunity is available to become the Production lead at our Ballydine site on a fixed term contract.

The successful candidate will be the Factory 03 Production Lead that runs the day-to-day operations and helps deliver production, quality and continuous‑improvement targets. The role is also a critical enabler to realise the operationalisation of the BACE project.

As a member of the API IPT leadership team you will manage a small production team, own performance metrics, drive Lean improvements, ensure compliance with cGMP and safety rules, and manage the operating budget.

Key responsibilities

Lead daily operations of Factory 03, coaching and developing a team of production staff (6 direct reports).
Own and report production performance (inventory, cost, cycle time, customer service) and develop action plans to close gaps.
Identify and lead Lean/Operational Excellence projects (VSM, 5S, waste elimination, variability reduction).
Support planning and resolve issues raised in daily/weekly/monthly IPT reviews; ensure resources are deployed to meet targets.
Strategically plan how Fac03 will be set up in the future to be the flagship small molecule commercialisation facility.
Ensure all Fac03 activities comply with cGMP, environmental, health & safety and labour regulations; act as a subsystem owner within relevant quality systems.
Prepare and manage the Factory 3 operating budget
Act as the production contact for union matters and participate in plant negotiations as required.
Serve in the site Emergency Control Centre when required and act as delegate for the API IPT Leader when needed.

What we’re looking for

Honours degree in Engineering, Science or Business Administration.
Minimum 5 years’ line management experience in a production environment with direct people management.
Practical experience with Lean/Operational Excellence tools (e.g., VSM, 5S).
Strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, H&S and environmental regulations.
Proven skills in planning, problem solving, performance management and communication.

Core competencies

Leadership and people development
Results orientation and analytical problem solving
Budget and inventory management
Project management and continuous improvement
Negotiation and conflict resolution

Required Skills:

Annual Budgeting Process, Annual Budgeting Process, Aseptic Operations, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making, GMP Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Interpersonal Relationships, Leadership, Lean Management, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Process Improvements, Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement, Management Process, Manufacturing Quality Control, Organizational Performance Management, Packaging Processes, People Leadership, Personnel Administration, Process Improvements, Production Management, Production Ramp Up, Production Scheduling, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management {+ 3 more}

Preferred Skills:

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.

Employee Status:

Temporary (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

11/4/2025

*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:R369559

Assoc. Dir., Operations

Job Description