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Operations Director, Drug Product, Substance - Dundalk

Lead site operations to achieve cost-effective vaccine production with rapid technology transfer
Dundalk, Leinster, Ireland
Senior
2 days ago
Merck

Merck

Global biopharmaceutical innovator focused on prescription medicines, vaccines, oncology, infectious diseases, and animal health solutions.

Operations Lead – Drug Substance & Drug Product

Are you ready to lead at the forefront of Vaccine manufacturing? We have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Lead – Drug Substance & Drug Product to join our Site Leadership Team in Dundalk.

This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in the journey to commercialization of a state-of-the-art Vaccine manufacturing facility—driving technology transfer, operational readiness, and cultural transformation while delivering high-quality vaccine products to people worldwide.

In this role, you will lead end-to-end manufacturing across Drug Substance and Drug Product, partnering across the site and global network to shape strategy, build capability, and deliver operational excellence.

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following:

  • Serve as a key member of the Site Leadership Team, contributing to site strategy and execution
  • Lead and develop cross-functional manufacturing teams across Drug Substance & Drug Product
  • Drive technology transfer and commercial readiness for vaccine production
  • Champion a culture of Safety First, Quality Always, and Inclusion for All
  • Ensure consistent delivery across EHS, Quality, Supply, Cost, and People metrics
  • Drive operational performance, including schedule adherence, release timelines, and product lead times
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives, embedding lean principles and right-first-time culture
  • Own financial performance, including budget management and cost optimization
  • Build and develop a high-performing, engaged workforce, supporting talent and career development
  • Partner with global stakeholders to deliver on strategic priorities and site goals

What skills you will need:

  • Degree (Level 8 or higher) in Science, Engineering, or related discipline
  • 10+ years' experience in Pharma, Biotech, or Vaccine operational manufacturing
  • 8+ years of leadership experience, managing high-performing teams particularly in Operations.
  • Strong experience in technology transfer and operational readiness
  • Proven experience leading cultural and operational transformation initiatives, embedding new ways of working
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams at site leadership level
  • Deep understanding of cGMP, EHS, and regulatory environments
  • Experience driving continuous improvement and operational excellence
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and performance metrics
  • Experience engaging with regulatory agencies during inspections

Preferred Experience

  • Experience across Drug Product and/or Aseptic Manufacturing (highly desirable)
  • Background in Virus Manufacturing
  • Knowledge of viral containment and biosafety requirements

Required Skills:

Commissioning, Cost Optimization, Culture Strategy, Drug Product Manufacturing, Launch Excellence, Operational Excellence, People Leadership, Technology Transfer

Preferred Skills:

Vaccine Manufacturing

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Operations Director, Drug Product, Substance - Dundalk
Dundalk, Leinster, Ireland
Operations
About Merck
Global biopharmaceutical innovator focused on prescription medicines, vaccines, oncology, infectious diseases, and animal health solutions.