Biopharma Operational Excellence Lead (Senior Specialist)

MSD; Dunboyne; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD is seeking a highly capable Senior Operations Excellence role based at our Dunboyne biologics site. You will lead the deployment of continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost across Downstream Operations.

You will work closely with Operations, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Quality, Engineering, and senior site leadership to embed operational excellence and a culture of sustainable performance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Experience in biologics/pharma manufacturing or regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and end-to-end processes.
• Proven leadership in operational excellence, Lean, Six Sigma, or transformation.
• Ability to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, or waste.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Operations Excellence roadmap for Downstream Operations.
• Identify opportunities and lead initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, throughput, and performance.
• Partner with operations to implement continuous improvement tools and ways of working.
• Drive problem-solving using structured methodologies and data-driven decisions.
• 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 improvement initiatives.
• Build relationships across Operations, Technical Operations, Engineering, Quality, and site leadership.
• Monitor, track, and report programme progress with measurable outcomes.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.

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

Lean Six Sigma (LSS)

Education

Science/Engineering/Biotech degree

Job description

MSD is seeking a highly capable Senior Operations Excellence role based at our Dunboyne biologics site. You will lead the deployment of continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost across Downstream Operations.

You will work closely with Operations, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Quality, Engineering, and senior site leadership to embed operational excellence and a culture of sustainable performance.