Associate Director Capability & Learning

MSD Malaysia; Carlow; On-site; EUR 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD Malaysia in Carlow is seeking an Associate Director of Capability and Learning to lead the site Learning, Capability and Digital Enablement function, ensuring workforce readiness, compliance and inspection readiness.

You will set the site capability strategy, translate priorities into scalable solutions, and drive sustainable performance improvement through simplification, continuous improvement and modern learning technologies across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience in a highly regulated environment with learning/capability development.
• Ability to shape capability strategy and translate priorities into measurable plans.
• Strong experience influencing senior stakeholders in a complex matrix organisation.
• Experience across learning systems, curricula, qualification, continuous improvement and digital enablement.
• Strong people and change leadership, communication and programme delivery skills; AI-enabled or immersive learning is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead site learning and capability strategy aligned to priorities, hoshins and launch objectives.
• Develop scalable curricula, skills matrices and qualification pathways; define digital learning approach.
• Govern the site training system, ensuring compliance, data integrity and audit readiness.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, partnerships and site training budget management.
• Develop and lead the L&D and capability team with a focus on accountability and inclusion.

Skills

Capability strategy

Stakeholder management

Learning systems

Digital enablement

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering

Tools

Learning management system

Job description

An exciting opportunity to lead the Carlow site Learning, Capability and Digital Enablement function as Associate Director of Capability and Learning. This role is responsible for ensuring workforce readiness, compliance and inspection readiness. Set the site capability strategy and translate business priorities and hoshins into scalable solutions, measurable outcomes and sustainable performance improvement through simplification, continuous improvement and modern learning technologies.Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following:

Capability Strategy and Performance Enablement

Lead the site learning and capability strategy aligned to priorities, Hoshins and Carlow’s launch powerhouse ambition. Translate business priorities into a multi-year capability roadmap and annual plan with clear milestones, ownership and measures. Partner with site leaders to identify critical capability gaps and implement fit-for-purpose interventions. Build leadership, digital and operational capability with a clear link to business performance. Lead site onboarding and induction in partnership with Global Learning and Development.

Learning Design, Digital Enablement and Simplification

Develop practical, scalable role-based curricula, skills matrices and qualification pathways. Define the site digital learning approach to improve access, user experience, scalability and effectiveness. Use digital, AI-enabled and immersive solutions where appropriate to strengthen capability and reduce manual work. Simplify curricula and optimise training demand, removing duplicate or low-value training while maintaining compliance and role readiness. Use learning-system data and trends to identify root causes and drive sustainable improvement

Learning Operations, Systems and Compliance

Govern the site training system, including curricula, assignments, qualification records, reporting and data integrity. Maintain compliance with QMS, training and qualification requirements and an audit- and inspection-ready state. Represent the site on training and qualification matters during audits, inspections and governance reviews. Act as Sub-System Owner for EHS Training, ensuring effective governance and continuous improvement. Maintain governance of learning content, qualification standards, issue escalation and corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement, Partnerships and Leadership

Improve learning processes and operations using MPS, structured problem solving and data-led decision making. Establish measures for compliance, capability, learning effectiveness, process performance and business impact. Partner with site leadership, functions, Global L&D, shared services and external providers, leveraging global solutions and avoiding duplication. Lead and develop the L&D and capability team, creating clarity, accountability, inclusion and a continuous improvement mindset. Lead key projects and own the site training budget and cost centre, balancing operational needs with strategic priorities.

Skills, qualification and experience you will need

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Relevant learning, capability development or business excellence experience in a highly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to shape capability strategy and translate business priorities into measurable plans.
• Strong experience influencing senior stakeholders in a complex matrix organisation.
• Experience across learning systems, curricula, qualification, continuous improvement and digital enablement.
• Strong people and change leadership, communication and programme delivery skills; experience with AI-enabled or immersive learning is an advantage.

Preferred Skills

• Building Capability
• Business Decisions
• Change Management
• Collaborative Leadership
• Competency Development
• Compliance Training
• Continuous Improvement
• Digital Learning
• Employee Training
• Instructional Design
• Leadership Development Programs
• Leadership Theories
• Learning and Development (L&D)

Our facility in Carlow site broke ground in 2008 and is a filling site for the launch and commercial supply of vaccines, biologics and small molecule drug product.Since its initial launch, the site has attracted significant internal investment and is now home to a number of state-of-the-art production facilities, laboratories and temperature-controlled warehousing units. The Carlow site is a significant employer in the South East region and attracts high performing talent through close collaborations with universities and colleges in the region

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 diverse, talented, and committed people together.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date: 10/9/2026

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.