Improvement Lead (Packaging)

MSD Nederland; Boxmeer; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Annual bonus

Pension plan

Travel allowance

Training and e-learning

Accessible train station and parking

Company restaurant

Lyra Health mental well-being

Prayer/meditation room

Job summary

MSD Nederland in Boxmeer is seeking an Improvement Lead (Packaging) to drive strategic initiatives across the packaging process, leading a 13-person Improvement Team and coordinating with Operations, M&R, Quality, IT and Supply Chain to deliver high-impact, data-driven improvements.

You will shape the IPT strategy, manage capital investments, and advance automation, digital tools and Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve efficiency, quality and safety in a high-tech manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in a technical field (e.g., Mechanical/Electrical Eng, Business Admin or equivalent).
• Proven experience leading project-based improvement initiatives in pharma/food/chemical production.
• Experience coaching across functions and levels and driving change.
• GMP principles and Lean Six Sigma; Green Belt cert required.
• Strong data mindset with KPIs and digital tools.
• Dutch and English communication; reside within reasonable distance of Boxmeer.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Improvement Team (13 employees).
• Define IPT strategy aligned with site strategy and transformation roadmap.
• Govern the project portfolio including new product introductions and process optimization.
• Initiate and manage initiatives to stabilize and improve packaging processes using Lean Six Sigma and data analysis.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Change Management and digital tools across projects.
• Support cross-functional issue investigation with data-driven decisions.
• Contribute to a data-driven culture via dashboards and KPI reviews.
• Explore automation, analytics and AI to improve decision quality and productivity.

Skills

Project leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

GMP knowledge

Dutch & English communication

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a hands-on, people-centered process thinker who combines operational excellence with a curiosity for automation, digitization, and data-driven improvement.

Improvement Lead (Packaging)

Welkom to our team

Our location in Boxmeer is the largest facility within our global Animal Health network, focused on the development, production, and packaging of high-quality vaccines and medicines for various animal species. The production organization includes several Integrated Process Teams (IPTs) and Centers of Excellence (CoEs). The IPT Packaging, with 160 FTEs, is responsible for the secondary packaging of our products according to GMP standards and works according to our in-house developed production system (MPS), which is based on Lean Six Sigma and inclusion principles. The IPT consists of four production teams, a Maintenance & Reliability team (M&R) and an Improvement Team. The IPT is characterized by a strong investment climate and is evolving into an advanced high-tech environment by integrating innovative technologies and automation.

About The Role

As a member of the IPT Management Team and reporting to the IPT Lead, you play a leading role in driving strategic initiatives within the Packaging department. You are responsible for managing the portfolio of improvement projects, ranging from new product introductions and process improvements to major capital investments. In this role, you identify, prioritize, and implement improvement initiatives across the packaging process to enhance performance, eliminate waste, and improve efficiency, quality, and safety. You work closely with Operations, M&R, Quality, IT and Supply Chain to deliver sustainable process improvements and to unlock the value of automation, data, and digital solutions. In addition, you develop the team and the IPT in the application of Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Change Management, and data-driven decision-making tools.

Main Tasks And Responsibilities

• Managing and developing the Improvement Team (13 employees), building a capable and engaged team with the skills needed for future ways of working.
• Contributing to defining the IPT strategy, aligned with the site strategy and long-term transformation roadmap.
• Governing the project portfolio, including new product introductions, process optimization, automation, and digital improvement initiatives.
• Initiating and managing initiatives to stabilize and improve packaging processes using Lean Six Sigma, data analysis, and structured problem solving.
• Assuring effective application of Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Change Management, and digital improvement tools.
• Supporting the business in investigating and solving complex cross‑functional issues using the right techniques, data, and stakeholder alignment.
• Contributing to a data‑driven decision‑making culture by visualizing problems, progress, and results through dashboards, KPI reviews, and performance routines.
• Supporting IPT performance reviews and prioritization of key KPIs with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Exploring opportunities where automation, analytics, and AI can improve decision quality, process stability, and productivity.

Your profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant (technical) field, such as Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Business Administration or equivalent.
• Strong experience in leading and successfully completing project-based improvement initiatives in a relevant production environment (Pharma, Food, Chemical).
• Experience in coaching, training, and influencing people across functions and levels.
• Familiar with GMP principles and Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques; Green Belt certification required.
• Strong analytical mindset and comfort working with data, KPIs, and digital tools.
• Interest in or experience with automation, digitization, and AI-enabled improvement is a strong advantage.
• Strong communicator in both Dutch and English.
• Living at a reasonable distance from Boxmeer.

What We Offer

The opportunity to play a key role in driving our Packaging organization into the future through automation, digitization, and data‑enabled continuous improvement. You will join a high‑investment, high‑impact environment where you can influence strategy, develop people, and help shape the next generation of operational excellence at Boxmeer. In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package that supports your well‑being, growth, and long‑term success

• Competitive compensation aligned with your knowledge and experience.
• 3% year‑end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• 35,5 days of leave.
• Solid Pension Plan.
• Travel allowance for commuting.
• Numerous training, coaching and e‑learning modules for long term job opportunities and development.
• 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

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Change Management, Coaching, Continuous Improvement, Data Analysis Tools, Decision Making, Interpersonal Relationships, Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Manufacturing, People Leadership, Performance Metrics, Process Improvements, Project Management, Six Sigma, Strategic Thinking, Strategy Deployment, Strategy Development, Team Development

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Job Posting End Date

10/19/2026

• 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.