Fermentation SME Lead Technician - GMP & Innovation

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; New Zealand; Remote; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme in Upper Hutt, New Zealand is seeking an IPT Lead Technician / Area SME to support frontline production in a GMP environment. The role focuses on coaching teams, solving complex operational problems and driving improvements across production, quality, safety and cost.

You will lead remediation activities, champion 8‑Step problem solving, and ensure timely batch release while partnering with cross-functional teams to meet site targets.

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.

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 assigned 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.
• Perform routine technical work outside of make-test-release protocols.
• Create and optimise procedures to support make-test-release processes.
• Own deviations, CAPAs, changes and Enablons within your assigned area.
• Train and coach production staff on production tasks and related work.
• Monitor POI and document flow to support timely batch release and process improvement.

Job description

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme in Upper Hutt, New Zealand is seeking an IPT Lead Technician / Area SME to support frontline production in a GMP environment. The role focuses on coaching teams, solving complex operational problems and driving improvements across production, quality, safety and cost.

You will lead remediation activities, champion 8‑Step problem solving, and ensure timely batch release while partnering with cross-functional teams to meet site targets.