Operational Excellence Lead - Senior Specialist, Dunboyne

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

About the Role and Site

Join a leading biologics manufacturing site in Dunboyne and play a key role in driving operational excellence across Downstream Operations. As a member of the Downstream Leadership Team, you will lead the deployment of continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business results in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

Job Description

This is a highly visible individual contributor role, ideal for someone who understands pharmaceutical manufacturing, enjoys influencing without authority, and can turn continuous improvement principles into practical solutions that create lasting operational impact.

Working closely with Operations, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Quality, Engineering, and site leadership teams, you will help shape how operational excellence is embedded across the organisation while supporting a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable performance.

Bring energy, knowledge, and innovation to carry out the following

• Develop and execute the Operations Excellence roadmap for Downstream Operations.


• Identify improvement opportunities and lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, throughput, and operational 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 the implementation of standardised processes, visual management, workflow optimisation, and value stream improvements.


• Coach and mentor operational teams on continuous improvement principles and best practices.


• Collaborate with leadership teams to translate business objectives into practical improvement initiatives.


• Build strong relationships across Operations, Technical Operations, Engineering, Quality, and site leadership functions.


• Monitor, track, and report programme progress, ensuring improvements deliver measurable business outcomes.


• Champion a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous learning across the organisation.

What Skills You Will Need

• Degree in Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.


• Experience within biologics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or a highly regulated manufacturing environment.


• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and end-to-end production processes.


• Proven experience leading operational excellence, continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or business transformation initiatives.


• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, cost, or waste reduction.


• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.


• Experience influencing and driving change across cross-functional teams without direct authority.


• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage audiences at all levels.


• Strong problem-solving skills with experience using structured improvement methodologies.


• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution in a fast-paced operational environment.

Required Skills

• Adaptability


• Analytical Problem Solving


• Continuous Improvement Principles


• Cross-Functional Collaboration


• Decision Making


• Key Performance Indicators (KPI)


• Manufacturing Operations


• Process Improvements


• Process Optimization


• Production Planning


• Production Scheduling


• Project Management


• Training and Development

Preferred Skills

• Lean Six Sigma (LSS)

Secondary Language(s) Job Description

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.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing inclusive, talented, and committed people together.

We are committed to flexible working where possible, and this is why our Company has introduced a new hybrid working model for office-based colleagues around the world.

Please feel free to speak to us about what flexibility means to you during your application.

Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs

Employee Status

Regular

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Job Posting End Date

10/5/2026

• 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.

Requisition ID

R416898