Director, Operations - Pharm Ops
Merck
September 02, 2026
On-site
Elkton, VA
Operations
Reports To: Site Ops Lead
Job Purpose
- Lead the Integrated Process Team (IPT) for Pharmaceutical Operations at the Elkton, VA small-molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing site.
- Shape the future operating model for a new facility (project/site readiness, organizational design, operating rhythms, governance, IPT culture/Ways of Working, and performance standards).
- In early phases: lead planning, cross-functional coordination, and project management for site build-out and operational ramp-up. As the site matures: provide full IPT leadership for safe, compliant, reliable, efficient operations, delivery performance, continuous improvement, stewardship, and people development.
Primary Responsibilities
- Site Leadership & Strategy: align IPT priorities with site/company strategy; direct tactical/strategic plans for ramp-up; coordinate with site/above-site teams; represent IPT as needed.
- Future-State Operating Model & Ramp-Up: develop future-state operating model; support start-up/readiness via project leadership; define org structure/culture/operating rhythms/governance.
- Operations Excellence: ensure right-first-time, safe/compliant operations; run operational reviews/daily management; drive structured problem solving using metrics; support production planning/resource deployment/issue resolution; promote lean continuous improvement.
- Financial Stewardship: support/own IPT operating & capital budget planning; identify productivity/efficiency/cost opportunities; allocate resources effectively.
- Quality & Safety Stewardship: build quality culture; ensure cGMP compliance; manage deviations/investigations/CAPAs; partner with Quality/EHS/Engineering/Tech/Supply Chain; ensure training/documentation/change management; champion safety and risk management.
- People Leadership: lead/coach/develop leaders and contributors; foster accountability/collaboration/empowerment; support talent development and succession; communicate priorities and performance.
Minimum Required
- Bachelor’s in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Engineering or related field.
- 10+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech or other regulated manufacturing.
- Leadership experience in Manufacturing/Technical Ops/Quality Ops/Engineering and/or Production Planning.
- Direct/indirect report leadership experience; strong cGMP/quality systems/regulatory readiness and safety/environmental knowledge.
- Operational planning and demonstrated site ramp-up/start-up/project leadership; manage multiple priorities in complex environments.
- Business acumen, financial stewardship/resource planning; Lean Six Sigma/continuous improvement/structured problem solving; strong communication/coaching/change leadership.
Preferred
- Master’s degree; small molecule manufacturing/oral solid dose experience; prior site start-up/transformation/ramp-up; experience building future-state operating models/operating governance; Lean Six Sigma certification; global matrix manufacturing experience; talent development/engagement/succession; capacity/capital/supply planning and S&OP; inspection readiness/deviation management.
Benefits (explicitly stated)
- Comprehensive package including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is listed on the posting.
Job Purpose
- Lead the Integrated Process Team (IPT) for Pharmaceutical Operations at the Elkton, VA small-molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing site.
- Shape the future operating model for a new facility (project/site readiness, organizational design, operating rhythms, governance, IPT culture/Ways of Working, and performance standards).
- In early phases: lead planning, cross-functional coordination, and project management for site build-out and operational ramp-up. As the site matures: provide full IPT leadership for safe, compliant, reliable, efficient operations, delivery performance, continuous improvement, stewardship, and people development.
Primary Responsibilities
- Site Leadership & Strategy: align IPT priorities with site/company strategy; direct tactical/strategic plans for ramp-up; coordinate with site/above-site teams; represent IPT as needed.
- Future-State Operating Model & Ramp-Up: develop future-state operating model; support start-up/readiness via project leadership; define org structure/culture/operating rhythms/governance.
- Operations Excellence: ensure right-first-time, safe/compliant operations; run operational reviews/daily management; drive structured problem solving using metrics; support production planning/resource deployment/issue resolution; promote lean continuous improvement.
- Financial Stewardship: support/own IPT operating & capital budget planning; identify productivity/efficiency/cost opportunities; allocate resources effectively.
- Quality & Safety Stewardship: build quality culture; ensure cGMP compliance; manage deviations/investigations/CAPAs; partner with Quality/EHS/Engineering/Tech/Supply Chain; ensure training/documentation/change management; champion safety and risk management.
- People Leadership: lead/coach/develop leaders and contributors; foster accountability/collaboration/empowerment; support talent development and succession; communicate priorities and performance.
Minimum Required
- Bachelor’s in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Engineering or related field.
- 10+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech or other regulated manufacturing.
- Leadership experience in Manufacturing/Technical Ops/Quality Ops/Engineering and/or Production Planning.
- Direct/indirect report leadership experience; strong cGMP/quality systems/regulatory readiness and safety/environmental knowledge.
- Operational planning and demonstrated site ramp-up/start-up/project leadership; manage multiple priorities in complex environments.
- Business acumen, financial stewardship/resource planning; Lean Six Sigma/continuous improvement/structured problem solving; strong communication/coaching/change leadership.
Preferred
- Master’s degree; small molecule manufacturing/oral solid dose experience; prior site start-up/transformation/ramp-up; experience building future-state operating models/operating governance; Lean Six Sigma certification; global matrix manufacturing experience; talent development/engagement/succession; capacity/capital/supply planning and S&OP; inspection readiness/deviation management.
Benefits (explicitly stated)
- Comprehensive package including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is listed on the posting.