Fermentation SME Lead Technician - GMP & Improvement

Merck; Upper Hutt; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, is seeking a Lead Technician - Fermentation SME to support frontline operations in a GMP manufacturing environment. You will coach teams, drive problem-solving initiatives and ensure project delivery across production, quality and safety.

You will lead in remediation activities, contribute to site projects and provide SME input on capital projects and Process Hazard Assessments, while maintaining timely batch release and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong team player with excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a GMP manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated Clostridial vaccine knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in quality and EHS systems, problem solving, continuous improvement and project management.
• Prior individual leadership experience in a GMP-regulated biological or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Working and thinking level in Biotechnology, Chemistry or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver technical area targets.
• Anticipate and solve complex production and operational problems.
• Challenge processes and procedures to identify quality, safety, process and cost improvements.
• Take a leading role in remediation activities and problem solving.
• Lead and coach Tier 1, On-Point and 8-Step Problem Solving activities.
• Communicate effectively to ensure alignment and collaboration across cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate and prioritise technician activities in your assigned area as needed.
• Lead projects in your area with cross-functional input.
• Support larger IPT and site projects as a representative of production.
• Contribute SME input to site projects, including capital projects and Process Hazard Assessments.
• Support site-wide safety and quality enablers relevant to your technical area.
• Provide clear visibility on system and project status to stakeholders.
• Analyse data and identify opportunities for improvement, providing practical recommendations.
• Execute make-test-release activities as needed during peak periods and as backup.
• Train and coach production staff on production tasks and related work.

Skills

GMP familiarity

Fermentation process

Team leadership

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

BSc in Biotechnology or equivalent

Tools

Liquid Chromatography (LC)

Autoclaving

Job description

Merck in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, is seeking a Lead Technician - Fermentation SME to support frontline operations in a GMP manufacturing environment. You will coach teams, drive problem-solving initiatives and ensure project delivery across production, quality and safety.

You will lead in remediation activities, contribute to site projects and provide SME input on capital projects and Process Hazard Assessments, while maintaining timely batch release and continuous improvement.