Director, Downstream Technical Operations (MS&T)

Merck; Ireland; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Ireland is seeking an action-oriented Technical Operations Director to lead downstream operations at our Dunboyne biologics manufacturing facilities. The role combines strategy with hands-on leadership to accelerate commercialization and ensure robust, compliant manufacturing of biologics.

The successful candidate will drive technical excellence across Downstream Operations, execute complex technology transfers, and shape the site’s long-term technical strategy while advancing digital

Qualifications

• Minimum 9 years in biopharmaceutical manufacturing with leadership.
• Deep expertise in biologics downstream processes and automation.
• GMP experience, regulatory filings, and CAPA management.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Downstream Technical Operations, delivering expertise across cell banking, clinical manufacturing, and commercial operations at the Dunboyne site.
• Oversee technology transfer, development/PPQ batches, change control, and regulatory licensing.
• Ensure clear line-of-sight, accountability, and flawless execution of new product introductions from a Downstream perspective.
• Proactively identify, assess, and resolve technical risks with timely escalation and cross-site communication.
• Own Downstream lifecycle management for in-line commercial products, driving continuous improvement and process robustness.
• Champion deployment of digital tools and data-driven solutions within downstream operations.
• Serve as a key member of the Dunboyne Technical Operations Leadership Team, contributing to priorities.

Skills

Downstream Leadership

Biologics expertise

Process Equipment

Automation

GMP Experience

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Engineering or Science

Tools

Automation Systems

Job description

Job Description

A fantastic and highly compelling opportunity has arisen for an action-oriented Technical Operations Director to provide strategic and hands‑on downstream technical leadership at our Biologics, single-use, multi-product clinical and commercial manufacturing facilities in Dunboyne.

This role sits at the heart of a rapidly evolving and ambitious site, supporting the delivery of innovative biologics to patients while shaping the future of Downstream manufacturing capability.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Biologics Technical Operations, the Director will be accountable for driving technical excellence across Downstream Technical Operations and for leading complex, high-impact technology transfers at site. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in accelerating the successful commercialization of a diverse and increasingly complex biologics pipeline, while ensuring the robust, reliable, and compliant manufacture of high-quality biologics products. Through strong scientific leadership, disciplined execution, and effective cross‑functional collaboration, this role will significantly influence both near‑term delivery and the long‑term technical strategy of the Dunboyne site.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Downstream Technical Operations organization, delivering technical expertise across cell banking, clinical manufacturing, and commercial operations at the Dunboyne site.
• Overseeing or providing technology transfer direction, execution of development and PPQ batches, change control management, and implementation through to regulatory license.
• Ensure clear line‑of‑sight, accountability, and flawless execution of new product introductions from a Downstream perspective.
• Proactively identify, assess, and resolve technical risks and issues, ensuring timely escalation and transparent communication to site and above‑site stakeholders.
• Own Downstream technical lifecycle management for in‑line commercial products, driving continuous improvement, robustness, and process sustainability.
• Champion the deployment and effective use of digital tools and data‑driven solutions within the state‑of‑the‑art downstream operations.
• Serve as a key member of the Dunboyne Technical Operations Leadership Team, contributing to the development and delivery of Tech Ops priorities.

Qualifications & Experience

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in a relevant Engineering or Scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 9 years' experience within biopharmaceutical manufacturing and/or development, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technical leadership roles.
• Demonstrated technical excellence with deep expertise in biologics molecules, Downstream manufacturing processes, process equipment, and automation.
• Proven experience in biologics drug substance development, technical operations, and new product introduction.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder‑management capabilities, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• A track record of effective cross‑division collaboration and matrix leadership.
• Experience operating within a GMP manufacturing environment, including regulatory filings, investigations, quality notifications, and CAPA management.
• Demonstrated people leadership skills, with a passion for talent development, succession planning, and building high‑performing technical teams.
• Solid business acumen, including an understanding of product lifecycle management, financial stewardship, and the ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously.
• A strong sense of urgency, resilience, and change agility, combined with an engaging and motivational leadership style.

Our facility in Dunboyne is a premier, state‑of‑the‑art facility that enables and advances our best work. By integrating leading‑edge technology with a dynamic, activity‑based workspace, the facility supports seamless connection and collaboration within and across teams and functions. Our Dunboyne facility provides Biologics Drug Substance manufacturing for Clinical Supply, Registration, and Commercial Launch.

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. So, if you are ready to: Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, Impact the future by driving one of the world's leading healthcare companies, and inspire your team to reach their full potential and push the boundaries of science and technology.

Required Skills

Biologics, Downstream Operations, Engineering Standards, Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement, Operational Leadership, People Leadership, Process Improvements, Strategic Thinking