Associate Director, Engineering

Merck & Co USA - North Carolina - Durham (Old Oxford) Updated 28 October 2026
PharmaBiotechRegulatory AffairsQuality Assurancegmpemacroraveinformaws

Job description

Job Description Our Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a “Safety First, Quality Always” mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products. General Summary. The Vaccine Manufacturing Facility (VMF) is seeking a Transformation and Business Support Lead, who will lead an organization and portfolio of projects that will ensure the successful execution of strategic projects that are aligned with critical facility transformation milestones in addition to overseeing general business support activities. General Profile Responsibilities Reporting to the Director, Operations, the incumbent will assist in strategy development and will independently manage project assignments. Effectively manage a team of engineers and scientists supporting drug product facility change controls as well as other strategic initiatives, as requested Unite Quality, Operations, Technology Operations, Maintenance, Digital Manufacturing and other supporting functions behind a single integrated execution plan. Provide end-to-end technical support to assigned areas of focus throughout the project lifecycle including but not limited to quality risk management, strategy development, development of standard operating procedures and master batch records, process development, and process performance qualification. Review and approve project documents as necessary. Lead, facilitate and participate on cross-functional teams to collaboratively address issues and achieve project milestones. Supports team safety, environmental, and compliance objectives. Escalates and consults on an as-needed basis with next level manager on more complex decisions impacting critical project milestones. Establish and lead a business support team focused on strengthening core operational processes, including quality systems, change management, process optimization, documentation, and overall operations effectiveness. People Management The VMF Business Transformation & Support lead will directly oversee a team of project managers, ensuring their efforts are aligned to the department’s critical milestones and long-term objectives. This includes setting clear expectations, providing coaching and feedback, fostering collaboration across silos, and ensuring accountability to critical project milestones. The role requires developing talent, aligning individual goals to organizational priorities, and maintaining strong engagement and motivation during a period of intense transformation and delivery pressure. QUALIFICATIONS Required. Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Science or related field Minimum 8 years of experience with strong preference for individuals with two or more of the following experiences: Manufacturing Operations, Technical Operations, Quality Operations, or Site Engineering Services with supervisory responsibility with exempt personnel. Proven track record in pharma/biotech facility engineering/process changes controls & projects, with experience in driving strategic changes Preferred: Demonstrated ability to create an engaged workforce Demonstrated experience of interacting with regulatory agencies via on-site inspections Demonstrated successes with Talent Management, reorganization and strategic initiative Demonstrated program management, operational excellence, and cross-functional leadership. Comfortable influencing at all levels Demonstrated knowledge of High Performing Organization tools and methodology, including MPS/Iean processing Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive or a limitation of the duties of the Job. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned. Required Skills: Cross-Functional Leadership, Driving Continuous Improvement, Engineering Principle, Facilities Construction, Facility Engineering, GMP Operations, Influencing Skills, Master Batch Records, Mentoring Staff, Operations Management, People Leadership, Regulatory Inspections, Talent Strategy, Technical Problem-Solving, Technical Transfer Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement​ We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The primary location for this posting is: USA - North Carolina - Durham (Old Oxford) Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below. The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $142,400.00 - $224,100.00 This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors inc

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