Job detail for Associate Director Technical Operations (Blister)

Job Description

Do you want to use your strategic leadership to accelerate technical innovation and help shape the future of our production site in Haarlem? In the role of Associate Director Technical Operations, you will have the space to lead impactful projects, connect people, and realize sustainable change — with the ultimate goal of contributing to the delivery of life-saving medicines to patients worldwide.

Purpose of the role

In this role, you have the opportunity to contribute to the future of our production site at a tactical and strategic level. As Associate Director Technical Operations, you will provide direction for asset lifecycle management, maintenance strategies, and improvement programs. You will work with an expert and diverse technical team, support their development, and take a leading role in major investment projects, such as new packaging lines. You will also serve as a permanent deputy to the Director and help ensure that our operation remains safe, compliant, and future-ready.

Welcome to our team

Our facility consists of several Integrated Process Teams (IPTs) and Centers of Excellence. The IPT Blister where you will work is responsible for producing and packaging tablets and is currently being expanded with various new packaging lines. In addition, a Maintenance Excellence program is currently being rolled out to take our maintenance management to a higher level. Within the technical field, the IPT works closely with the CoE Technical Operations, Global Engineering Services, Facility Management, and the Global Asset Reliability Management team. The department also has its own technical team with a Technical Manager, various maintenance technicians, and a Reliability Engineer.

**Key **

• Developing and executing the long-term vision and maintenance strategies to reduce defects and optimize the lifecycle of our assets.
• Coaching, guiding, and empowering a diverse team of direct reports.
• Acting as the primary business representative for major technical projects and substantial investments (such as new packaging lines).
• Critically evaluating technical designs and solutions to manage risks and protect organizational interests.
• Responsible for long-term investment planning (CAPEX) and managing operational budgets (OPEX).
• Initiating and leading site-wide improvement programs and fostering a culture of operational excellence.
• Building strong, influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders, project organizations, and cross-functional teams.
• Supporting the strategic direction of the Integrated Process Team (IPT) as a permanent deputy to the IPT Lead.

Your profile

• You have proven experience in mobilizing people, leading change, and developing teams.
• Experience representing the business in large technical projects with substantial budgets.
• Experience in a quality-critical environment where safety is paramount (e.g., pharma, food/FMCG, chemicals, hospitals, or similar).
• Demonstrable experience in successfully leading continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) and reducing defects.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to effectively switch between different disciplines and levels.
• A completed bachelor's or master's degree in a technical, scientific, or business field (e.g., Engineering, Life Sciences, Supply Chain) or equivalent experience.

What we offer

• A competitive salary, depending on knowledge and experience.
• 3% end-of-year allowance and an annual bonus based on individual and company results.
• At least 35.5 vacation days.
• Travel allowance and a solid pension scheme.
• A high-quality company restaurant with fresh and healthy meals daily.
• On-site sports facilities, including classes such as boxing, Zumba, and Pilates.
• Excellent coffee, prepared by a professional barista.
• Large game room with darts, foosball, pool table, and table tennis.
• Mental well-being support via Lyra Health, for you and your family members.
• Access to a separate prayer and meditation room.

Required Skills:

Business Alignment, Business Process Improvements, Change Management, Collaborative Leadership, Detail-Oriented, Driving Continuous Improvement, Equipment Set Up, Leadership Theories, Life Cycle Planning, Machinery Operation, Manufacturing Quality Control, Operational Efficiency, Operational Excellence, People Management, People Performance Management, Process Improvements, Process Optimization, Production Management, Production Scheduling, Raw Material Specifications, Resource Planning, Results-Oriented, Stakeholder Management

Preferred Skills:

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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:

10/31/2026

***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.