Director Bioprocess Technology Solutions (Site Support)

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

Job summary

Merck in Boxmeer seeks a Director Bioprocess Technology Solutions (Site Support) to lead BTS teams across Boxmeer, De Bilt and Cologne, driving process improvements and ensuring robust vaccine supply. You will oversee projects from discovery to manufacturing transfers and guide technology implementation with cross-functional partners.

You will manage a site team of ~25, collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs and Global Supply Chain, and mentor talent while maintaining

Qualifications

• Master's degree in technology/engineering.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in viral cell culture, bacterial fermentation, downstream processing, purification, freeze-drying, and vaccine formulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead BTS team (≈25 employees) and site activities across Boxmeer, De Bilt, and Cologne.
• Drive process improvement for the vaccine portfolio and ensure robust product supply.
• Coordinate with R&D, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing and Global Supply Chain to deliver technical solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Stakeholder management

Viral cell culture

Bacterial fermentation

Downstream processing

Regulatory compliance

Team coaching

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in technology/engineering

Tools

MPS tools

Job description

Job Description

A rare opportunity for an experienced bioprocess leader to drive technology development, strengthen product supply, and influence the next chapter of a fast-growing global animal health business.

For our Animal Health location Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting a Director Bioprocess Technology Solutions (Site Support)

Welcome to our team

Our global Bioprocess Technology Solutions (BTS) team (~230 employees) drives and executes Bioprocess technology excellence in close alignment with their partners in R&D and Manufacturing to ensure robust product introductions, product transfers and a reliable product supply to customers. BTS has deep expertise in viral cell culture, bacterial fermentation, downstream processing, purification, freeze-drying, and vaccine formulation. Our BTS Site Support teams ensure robust product supply, efficient issue resolution, continuous process improvement, strong change management, and compliance with regulatory, GMP, and EHS standards. They play a critical role in safeguarding the performance of existing products while enabling future innovation and the successful implementation of new technologies.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the EU Lead BTS based in Boxmeer, you will be responsible for leading technology support, from issue resolution to process improvements, across the vaccine portfolio in Boxmeer, De Bilt, and Cologne, as well as serving as the site lead for incoming technology transfers. The role covers highly complex technical projects across the full lifecycle, including discovery, predevelopment, development, transfer from R&D to Manufacturing, licensing, and implementation. In addition, this position manages the operational BTS manager, who is responsible for ensuring the BTS laboratories operate effectively. The role serves as a key technical and strategic interface across S&T, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Procurement, Global Supply Chain, and Network Strategy to deliver technical solutions that support our Animal Health's organization’s business goals.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Manage the Bioprocess Technology Solutions (BTS) team (team of ~25 employees with 8 direct reports) and site activities for Boxmeer, De Bilt, and Cologne.
• Lead the strategic direction of process improvement for the existing vaccine portfolio.
• Provide clear direction, prioritization, and accountability for site-level and cross-site activities.
• Align local site activities with global BTS strategy and priorities.
• Maintain effective communication with the EU Lead BTS and key functional stakeholders.
• Collaborate with R&D to develop new processes and refine existing ones.
• Drive improvements in upstream, downstream, FPU processes.
• Resolve manufacturing and supply issues impacting the vaccine portfolio.
• Support process scale-up and ensure robustness and quality during large-scale production.
• Advise on equipment modifications required to enable process changes and new product development.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Sponsor and lead structured problem‑solving using MPS tools.
• Support successful product transfers, including transfer from R&D and site-to-site implementation.
• Facilitate technology implementation according to agreed schedules, milestones, objectives, and cost targets.
• Ensure all activities comply with corporate, regulatory, quality, and EHS requirements.
• Manage, coach, and develop BTS personnel at site level.
• Build capability and develop new talent for strategic roles.
• Monitor external trends in vaccine process development and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Support external talent scouting and academic collaboration, including PhD programs with universities such as Wageningen.
• Provide scientific expertise and strategic input to GSC management on investments, acquisitions, and future technical direction.
• Travel as required to support BTS teams and projects across sites.

Your profile

• Master's degree in technology / engineering.
• Over 10 years of relevant experience gaining knowledge of viral cell culture, bacterial fermentation, downstream processing, purification, freeze-drying, and vaccine formulation and experience with leading complex technical and organizational work in a regulated environment.
• Experience managing managers and teams, developing talent, and coaching employees for growth and succession.
• Strong organizational and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to drive multiple high‑complexity projects and deadlines across sites and countries while aligning different functions toward common goals.
• Ability to contribute to investment decisions, technical strategy, and long‑term capability building.
• Excellent command of the English language. Dutch is preferred,
• Able to commute to Boxmeer, as this role requires on-site presence at least 4 days per week, or willing to relocate from within Europe.

What we offer

A unique opportuni