Associate Director, Downstream Technical Operations Lead

MSD; Dunboyne; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

MSD in Ireland’s Dunboyne site seeks an experienced Downstream Technical Operations Lead to own end-to-end technical, manufacturing and people accountability for a growing biologics program. You will lead a high-performing team delivering day-to-day support across downstream unit operations including chromatography, filtration and formulation.

Reporting to the Downstream Technical Operations Director within MSAT, you will drive technology transfer, PPQ, and lifecycle management while

Qualifications

• Experience leading downstream bioprocess teams in GMP environments.
• Proven capability in technology transfer, PPQ, and lifecycle management.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication across global teams.
• Demonstrated leadership in delivering complex biologics programs.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end technical ownership of the assigned biologics program across lifecycle stages.
• Provide floor-based technical support to resolve real-time manufacturing issues and drive CAPA.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of downstream scientists, engineers and SMEs.
• Collaborate with Development, Quality, Engineering, Automation, Supply Chain and global partners to drive program delivery.

Skills

Technical leadership

GMP compliance

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Project management

Change management

Biologics knowledge

People leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Engineering or Science

Tools

CMMS

Automation systems

Regulatory documentation systems

Job description

Job Description Join our state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Dunboyne as the Downstream Technical Operations Lead. In this pivotal role, you will hold end-to-end technical, manufacturing, and people accountability for a complex, growing biologics program. Reporting directly to the Downstream Technical Operations Director as part of the MSAT function, you will lead a high-performing team of scientists and engineers delivering day-to-day manufacturing support across all downstream unit operations — including chromatography, filtration, and formulation.

What You Will Do

• Technical Program Ownership Maintain end-to-end technical ownership of the assigned biologics program, guiding activities from technology transfer and PPQ execution through to commercial lifecycle management. Act as a core member of the Downstream technical leadership team, helping to shape the site's overall technical strategy and execution standards.
• Manufacturing Support & Operational Excellence Enable robust, compliant, and reliable production by providing visible, floor-based technical support to resolve real-time manufacturing issues. Set clear priorities, expectations, and decision-making frameworks to ensure rapid deviation investigations, root-cause analyses, and change implementation. Proactively identify, assess, and resolve manufacturing risks, establishing strong escalation practices and transparent communication with site and global stakeholders.
• People Leadership & Talent Development Lead, coach, and develop a team of downstream scientists, engineers, SMEs, and subteam leads, ensuring clear accountabilities, capacity management, and strong engagement. Foster a culture of continuous learning, scientific rigor, engineering excellence, psychological safety, and lean-driven improvement. Mentor team members through complex problem-solving, stretch assignments, and subteam leadership opportunities to strengthen site succession plans.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with Downstream Receiving Unit lead, Integrated Process Teams, Commercialisation partners, and the Global Biologics Organisation to align technical priorities, share best practice, and accelerate the successful delivery of a complex and evolving pipeline. Partner closely at the interface between Development, Quality, Engineering, Automation, Supply Chain, and global technical partners to drive strategic program delivery.

What Skills You Will Need

• Education & Professional Experience
  Degree: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in a relevant Engineering or Scientific discipline.
  Experience: A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and/or development, with a proven track record in scientific and technical leadership roles.
• Technical & Operational Expertise
  Downstream Processes: Deep technical expertise in biologics molecules, chromatography, filtration, formulation, process equipment, and automation.
  Product Lifecycle: Proven experience in biologics drug substance development, downstream technical operations, technology transfer, PPQ, and new product introduction.
  GMP Compliance: Strong operational experience in a highly regulated GMP environment, including floor-based support, regulatory filings, investigations, quality notifications, CAPA management, and process monitoring.
  Business Acumen: Solid understanding of product lifecycle management, financial stewardship, and the ability to manage resource allocation across multiple complex programs simultaneously.
• Leadership & Influence
  Leading Through Others: Proven ability to build, scale, and lead high-performing technical teams, setting clear priorities and coaching technical decision-making.
  Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and presentation capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of a global network.
• Agility & Drive
  Agility: A strong sense of urgency, resilience, and change agility, combined with an engaging, motivational leadership style.

Why Join Us?

Work in a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art biologics facility in Dunboyne. Lead a diverse, growing pipeline of biologics programs. Drive technical excellence within a highly collaborative, cross-functional global network.

Additional Information

• Additional location(s) Compensation Information:
• Required Skills: Business Acumen, Business Acumen, Business Management, Change Adoption, Chromatography, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Cross-Cultural Awareness, Deviation Investigations, Financial Management, GMP Compliance, GMP Environments, Maintenance Supervision, Manufacturing Quality Control, Manufacturing Support, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Development, Process Engineering, Process Improvements, Product Lifecycle, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Inspections, Resource Allocation, Single-Use Systems (SUS), Sterile Manufacturing, Strategic Thinking
• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation:
• VISA Sponsorship:
• Travel Requirements:
• Flexible Work Arrangements:
• Hybrid Shift:
• Valid Driving License:
• Hazardous Material(s):
• Job Posting End Date: 11/16/2026
  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.

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.