Manager, Operations
Merck
August 20, 2026
On-site
Elkton, VA
Operations
Job Purpose
The Turnaround Lead is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading turnaround activities for Drug Substance/API operations supporting a future small molecule facility in Elkton, VA. Ensures safe, compliant, predictable, and highly efficient turnaround execution between manufacturing campaigns.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead planning, coordination, and execution of API/Drug Substance turnarounds.
- Ensure turnarounds are executed safely, compliantly, efficiently, with minimal manufacturing disruption.
- Develop and maintain a standardized, repeatable turnaround model for reliable campaign transitions.
- Lead/coach/develop a cross-skilled turnaround team and operators supporting daily operations.
- Partner with Production Lead and cross-functional stakeholders for readiness, alignment, and execution.
- Define turnaround scope, sequencing, staffing, materials, and work plans in advance.
- Drive right-first-time execution, coordinate handoffs, monitor performance, and drive improvements in schedule adherence, quality, safety, and cycle time.
- Apply lean/continuous improvement; use standard work, visual management, and KPIs (turnaround duration, rework, downtime, execution quality).
- Support day-to-day operations while maintaining turnaround readiness and contribute to the future operating model.
Minimum Required Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Manufacturing/Chemical/Pharmaceutical Engineering or related technical discipline.
- 5+ years’ experience in regulated GMP manufacturing (pharma/biotech/chemical).
- Experience leading turnarounds/changeovers/shutdowns/campaign transitions or operational readiness.
- Experience leading teams and coordinating cross-functional stakeholders.
Required Skills
People leadership; planning/prioritization/problem-solving; strong cGMP/compliant execution; data-driven performance monitoring; lean continuous improvement; cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, and EHS.
Benefits/Compensation (as stated)
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits: medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
Application Instructions
Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Job posting end date: 08/8/2026 (apply no later than the day before). US and Puerto Rico residents only.
The Turnaround Lead is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading turnaround activities for Drug Substance/API operations supporting a future small molecule facility in Elkton, VA. Ensures safe, compliant, predictable, and highly efficient turnaround execution between manufacturing campaigns.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead planning, coordination, and execution of API/Drug Substance turnarounds.
- Ensure turnarounds are executed safely, compliantly, efficiently, with minimal manufacturing disruption.
- Develop and maintain a standardized, repeatable turnaround model for reliable campaign transitions.
- Lead/coach/develop a cross-skilled turnaround team and operators supporting daily operations.
- Partner with Production Lead and cross-functional stakeholders for readiness, alignment, and execution.
- Define turnaround scope, sequencing, staffing, materials, and work plans in advance.
- Drive right-first-time execution, coordinate handoffs, monitor performance, and drive improvements in schedule adherence, quality, safety, and cycle time.
- Apply lean/continuous improvement; use standard work, visual management, and KPIs (turnaround duration, rework, downtime, execution quality).
- Support day-to-day operations while maintaining turnaround readiness and contribute to the future operating model.
Minimum Required Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Manufacturing/Chemical/Pharmaceutical Engineering or related technical discipline.
- 5+ years’ experience in regulated GMP manufacturing (pharma/biotech/chemical).
- Experience leading turnarounds/changeovers/shutdowns/campaign transitions or operational readiness.
- Experience leading teams and coordinating cross-functional stakeholders.
Required Skills
People leadership; planning/prioritization/problem-solving; strong cGMP/compliant execution; data-driven performance monitoring; lean continuous improvement; cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, and EHS.
Benefits/Compensation (as stated)
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits: medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
Application Instructions
Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Job posting end date: 08/8/2026 (apply no later than the day before). US and Puerto Rico residents only.