Job Description
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 commercialisation 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
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 inclusive, 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:
06/12/2026
***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. **