Director Quality Assurance Operations

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Boxmeer; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3% year-end bonus

Annual bonus

Company car or car allowance

25 days of leave

Solid Pension Plan

Private health/fitness perks

Job summary

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme is seeking a Director of Quality Assurance Operations to lead a large QA team at our Boxmeer Animal Health site. You translate global and site quality priorities into an operational strategy that ensures compliant, uninterrupted supply of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

You will drive batch release, KPI-driven decisions, and cross-site handoffs while shaping future QA organization capabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in international pharmaceutical company and leading large organizations.
• Proven leadership across regions and functions.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality Assurance Operations team (5 direct reports, 100 employees).
• Translate Quality organization strategy into QA Operations plans.
• Oversee batch release processes and end-to-end batch tracking.
• Monitor KPIs and use metrics for decision-making.
• Ensure QA Operations processes comply with relevant regulations.
• Build robust inter-site processes and cross-site handoffs.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

cGMP Compliance

Change Management

Decision Making

Driving Continuous Improvement

Quality Auditing

Quality Inspections

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Quality Processes

Strategic Planning

Talent Development

Education

Pharmacy/related field degree

Job description

Job Description

Shape the future of QA operations at a global Animal Health site, driving quality, compliance, and uninterrupted supply at scale.

For our Animal Health location Boxmeer we are currently recruiting a Director Quality Assurance Operations

Welcome to our team

Our production facilities in Boxmeer are part of our global animal health production network and manufacture and package animal health products according to Good Manufacturing Practices standards (GMP). Our production organization consists of several Integrated Process Teams (IPTs) and Centers of Excellence (CoEs). Our Quality Assurance group (150 employees) ensures every single material used inside our products is purchased, manufactured, processed, tested, packaged, stored and distributed aligned with our high standards of quality and meets all regulatory requirements. To guide this group through a dynamic phase of growth, innovation and expansion, we are looking for a Director Quality Assurance Operations.

About the role

Reporting into our Boxmeer Site Quality Lead, and as part of the Site Quality Management Team, you are responsible for translating global, regional, and site quality priorities into a clear operational strategy that ensures compliant, uninterrupted supply of vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Beyond day-to-day QA leadership, the role shapes the long-term direction of QA operations by strengthening batch release flow, building robust cross-site handoffs, improving decision-making through KPIs and metrics, and driving continuous improvement and digitization across site quality processes. The role acts as a key strategic interface between QA, QC, manufacturing, and global quality teams, ensuring that quality systems, standards, and governance are aligned, scalable, and future ready. It also owns the development of the QA organization, building a capable and agile team while embedding operational excellence, compliance, and performance management into the function.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality Assurance Operations team (5 direct reports, 100 employees).
• Translate Quality organization strategy into QA Operations plans.
• Design, plan, and implement the operational QA strategy in line with global, regional, and site quality goals
• Manage QA Operations budget and required reporting.
• Shape, implement, and continuously improve strategic plans for QA Operations.
• Oversee batch release processes and end-to-end batch tracking.
• Monitor KPIs, use metrics for decision-making, and take corrective actions when needed.
• Identify business trends through metrics and adjust actions accordingly.
• Initiate, prioritize, manage, and coordinate improvement initiatives for QA Operations in collaboration with other site functions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standards, procedures, and guidelines within the Manufacturing Division, especially in review and release areas.
• Ensure QA Operations processes comply with relevant regulations and requirements.
• Solve problems, elevate issues appropriately to global teams, and keep relevant stakeholders informed.
• Determine the QA Operations project portfolio in alignment with partner IPTs.
• Lead and/or participate in site projects and provide quality oversight and support.
• Develop a strategy for smooth batch flow, including multi-site product releases.
• Build robust inter-site processes, clear communication flows, and defined handoffs between sites and functions.
• Work closely with global quality management, health authorities, and site operations management.

Your profile

• Academic degree in a relevant field (Pharmacy, Medical Biology, (Bio)Chemistry, (Bio)Process Technology, or related scientific fields) combined with at least 7-10 years of relevant experience in an international pharmaceutical company.
• Proven track record of managing and developing large organizations and leading other managers in a complex and relevant organization.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to inspire, develop, and align diverse teams across regions and functions.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder management, building trusted partnerships and influencing effectively across organizational levels.
• Solid understanding of GMP, quality systems, and relevant manufacturing regulations.
• Experience working with health authorities and managing audits and inspections.
• Excellent command of the English language, oral and written.

What we offer

You will join an organization at a pivotal moment of growth, with increasing demand for both existing and new products and a strong focus on innovation and expansion. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• Competitive compensation aligned with your knowledge and experience.
• 3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Company car or car allowance.
• A minimum of 25 days of leave.
• Solid Pension Plan.
• Excellent accessibility: the train station is right by our main entrance and there is ample parking.
• High-quality company restaurant with fresh, healthy options daily.
• Contribution toward your personal sports/fitness membership to support your vitality.
• Beautiful private park on the premises, ideal for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.
• Mental well-being support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals® we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

Required Skills:

Analytical Thinking, cGMP Compliance, Change Management, Decision Making, Driving Continuous Improvement, Quality Auditing, Quality Inspections, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Quality Processes, Strategic Planning, Talent Development

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Thinking, cGMP Compliance, Change Management, Decision Making, Driving Continuous Improvement, Quality Auditing, Quality Inspections, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Quality Processes, Strategic Planning, Talent Development

Employee Status:Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

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:R415563