Biologics Operations Excellence Lead

Merck; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence leader for Dunboyne’s Downstream Operations to drive continuous improvement across safety, quality, and productivity. You will deploy Lean/Six Sigma tools and partner with cross-functional teams to translate business objectives into practical improvement initiatives.

In this role you will develop the Operations Excellence roadmap, coach teams, monitor progress, and ensure measurable outcomes while fostering a culture of learning and

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Engineering, Biotechnology or related discipline.
• Experience in biologics, biotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and end-to-end processes.
• Proven experience leading operational excellence projects (Lean/Six Sigma).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Operations Excellence roadmap for Downstream Operations.
• Identify improvement opportunities and lead initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, throughput, and performance.
• Partner with operational teams to implement continuous improvement tools and ways of working.
• Drive problem-solving activities using structured methodologies and data-driven decision-making.
• Support standardised processes, visual management, workflow optimisation and value stream improvements.
• Coach and mentor operational teams on continuous improvement principles.
• Collaborate with leadership to translate business objectives into practical initiatives.
• Build relationships across Operations, Technical Operations, Engineering, Quality and site leadership.
• Monitor, track and report programme progress to ensure measurable outcomes.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence, accountability and continuous learning across the organisation.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Problem Solving

Continuous Improvement Principles

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Decision Making

KPI

Manufacturing Operations

Process Improvements

Process Optimization

Production Planning

Production Scheduling

Project Management

Training and Development

Education

Degree in Science/Engineering/Biotechnology

Tools

Lean Six Sigma (LSS)

Job description

Merck is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence leader for Dunboyne’s Downstream Operations to drive continuous improvement across safety, quality, and productivity. You will deploy Lean/Six Sigma tools and partner with cross-functional teams to translate business objectives into practical improvement initiatives.

In this role you will develop the Operations Excellence roadmap, coach teams, monitor progress, and ensure measurable outcomes while fostering a culture of learning and