Job detail for Process Optimization Specialist

Job Description

If you get excited by the words problem solving, standardizing, and coaching, and you want to work at the largest pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands, then this is the challenge you are looking for!

For one of the three packaging departments in Haarlem, we are looking for a

Process Optimization Specialist

Welcome to the team

From Haarlem, we distribute 2,500 different packages of medicines and vaccines to more than 140 countries. Haarlem is known as the flexible packaging location in Europe. We can switch quickly between packaging different medicines with very diverse packaging. From jars to blister packs and from injection syringes to powders for infusion treatment. All provided with the correct packaging and patient information leaflet in the right language.

The team you will be working in consists of Process Optimization Specialists and an Improvement Engineer (manager). Together, you are busy every day continuously looking at where improvements can be made, while aligning the expectations of the stakeholders.

About the role

As a Process Optimization Specialist, you are part of a ‘Lean optimization program’, which aims to prevent packaging lines from coming to an unplanned standstill. Together with fellow Process Optimization Specialists, Operators, Technicians, and Operational Managers, the intended result is to increase the productivity, safety, and quality of the packaging process. You will contribute to the continuous improvement of production and packaging lines using Lean methodologies. You will do this primarily on the packaging lines and as little as possible behind your desk. Partly by proposing improvement opportunities yourself, it is possible to largely shape the role yourself. In summary, you must be able to initiate, guide, and secure a change together with the team of colleagues.

Tasks and include

• Problem solving: you take the lead in a practical way to solve problems.

Think of observing, analyzing data, testing hypotheses, implementing countermeasures, and securing solutions.

• Standardization and coaching: drafting work instructions and providing training to make the work on the packaging lines unambiguous, safe, simple, efficient, and predictable, and thus securing new behaviors and working methods.

• Advice: advising management using tools and methodologies such as Lean, DMAIC, problem solving A3s, value stream mapping, waterfall, etc. You weigh priorities and present project proposals to the main stakeholder during, for example, sponsor rounds, and align their expectations.

• ‘Go see’: you are frequently present on the packaging lines and in conversation with Operators, Technicians, and Operational Managers to identify where the problems and improvements lie.

Your profile

• Completed HBO or WO degree, preferably in Business Administration or Engineering; other backgrounds are also welcome.

• Relevant work experience gained through jobs or internships.

• Affinity with technology, organization, and processes is a plus.

• Familiar with improvement methods such as Lean and skilled in data visualization with Excel, Power BI, or PowerApps.

• Strong project management skills and analytical thinking; able to recognize improvements and translate them into concrete actions.

• Smooth communication at all levels with powers of persuasion.

• Team player with an interest in people, able to motivate others; good command of Dutch and English.

We offer

Working at our organization means working together on health in an international work environment with dedicated colleagues. You get plenty of room to develop yourself and show who you are. Furthermore, you can count on attractive employment conditions:

• A competitive salary
• 35.5 vacation days
• 8% holiday allowance and 3% end-of-year bonus
• An excellent pension
• A high-quality company restaurant with fresh and healthy options every day.
• On-site sports facilities with classes in boxing, Zumba, and Pilates.
• Excellent coffee prepared by a professional barista.
• Game room with a pool table and a ping pong table.
• Mental health support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a separate prayer/meditation room.

Do you have questions about this vacancy?

Send your question along with the vacancy number and the title of the vacancy to this email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com. You can only apply via the website.

Required Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Business Consulting Services, Business Process Design, Business Requirements Analysis, Business Research, Consultative Selling, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Driving Continuous Improvement, Financial Advising, Lean Manufacturing, Management Consulting, Operational Expertise, Operational Quality, Policy Development, Process Improvement Initiatives, Process Standardization, Quality Control Management, Quality Improvement Programs, Six Sigma, Strategic Consulting, Systematic Work, Visualization Techniques

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

Project Temps (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

09/24/2026

*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.