Global QA Director, QMS & Compliance

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme in Ireland is seeking an inspiring Associate Director to lead the multi-site Quality Management System across Newport (UK), Dublin (IRL) and Lawrence (Kansas-USA). The role focuses on harmonising procedures, simplifying documentation, and driving a culture of compliance.

You will partner with lab managers to define quality controls, manage audits, coach site Quality Representatives and implement risk-based improvements while supporting a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of quality experience within an accredited environment, preferably a scientific testing laboratory.
• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline; advanced degree or quality certification preferred.
• Strong expertise with ISO 17025, ISO 9001 or comparable lab-quality frameworks.
• Proven experience managing external audits, accreditation activities, CAPA programmes and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical skills with experience generating and interpreting quality metrics, audit results and operational data.
• Excellent collaboration and stakeholder-management skills in a highly cross-functional environment.
• Demonstrated ability to train teams, influence without direct authority and support a global or multi-site structure.
• Willingness to travel internationally 15-20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead the multi-site laboratory Quality Management System, ensuring alignment with ISO 17025 or comparable standards, corporate quality expectations and consistent implementation across sites in Newport (UK), Dublin (IRL) and Lawrence (Kansas-USA)
• Partner with laboratory managers and technical teams to define, harmonise and maintain quality procedures, documentation practices and compliance controls
• Serve as the primary liaison with global accreditation bodies and third‑party auditors, managing audit readiness, corrective actions and accreditation cycles
• Maintain and improve documentation control, change management and internal audit programmes
• Monitor quality performance across sites, analyse trends and provide KPI reporting to senior leadership
• Apply risk‑based quality principles to identify vulnerabilities, prioritise action, and strengthen processes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, evaluating the effectiveness of implemented changes and ensuring standardised adoption across labs
• Provide functional leadership, coaching and training to site Quality Representatives to build quality capability and ensure consistent practices across locations
• Support integration of new technologies, methods and digital tools into the quality framework as the lab network evolves
• Stay current with global certification requirements, industry best practices and trends in scientific testing quality systems

Skills

Audit Management

Coaching

Collaboration

Influencing Skills

ISO/IEC 17025

ISO 9001

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Advanced degree or quality certification (e.g., ASQ, Lead Auditor)

Job description

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme in Ireland is seeking an inspiring Associate Director to lead the multi-site Quality Management System across Newport (UK), Dublin (IRL) and Lawrence (Kansas-USA). The role focuses on harmonising procedures, simplifying documentation, and driving a culture of compliance.

You will partner with lab managers to define quality controls, manage audits, coach site Quality Representatives and implement risk-based improvements while supporting a hybrid working model.