Associate Director, Vaccine Manufacturing

MSD Malaysia; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Merck seeks an Associate Director, Vaccine Manufacturing to lead a world-class team at our De Soto, Kansas facility, contributing to the production of veterinary vaccines and global health solutions.

This role requires strategic vision, strong leadership, and expertise in GMP, lean manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. You will drive project priorities, budget management, and staff development across the Integrated Process Team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Life Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Five+ years in vaccine manufacturing/operations.
• Three+ years of supervisory/management experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Integrated Process Team to support vaccine manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Review Quality Notifications and lead process improvements.
• Lead budgeting, planning, and resource allocation for the team.
• Provide support for regulatory inspections and audits.

Skills

Collaborative Leadership

GMP

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Operations

People Leadership

People Management

Production Operations

Product Release

USDA Regulations

Vaccine Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Science, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

SAP

Inventory control

Job description

Job Description Associate Director, Vaccine Manufacturing Join Us in Shaping the Future of Animal Health Our company is investing $895 million in expanding our manufacturing and research & development facilities in De Soto, Kansas — the state’s largest economic development project to date. As an Associate Director of Vaccine Manufacturing, you will be part of a world-class team at our Center of Excellence in the Animal Health Corridor, contributing directly to the production of veterinary products that improve animal health and welfare globally. At our company, we are dedicated to advancing the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals through innovative health solutions. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Associate Director, Vaccine Manufacturing to join our team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic team and contribute to the production of life-saving vaccines.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrated leadership skills in leading technical teams, items include but are not limited to the following:
• Developing Structure & Vision
• Strategic Planning & Resource Allocation
• Business acumen
• Supporting the Team
• Facilitating Agreement & Resolving Conflict
• Execution Excellence
• Coaching & Long-term Development
• Fostering Accountability
• Direct the Integrated Process Team with comprehensive management of all activities required to successfully support vaccine manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with corporate, site, and departmental procedures associated with the manufacturing of products, and ensure the team is trained on new or revised processes or procedures.
• Review and approve Quality Notifications.
• Author, review, and approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Serve as subject matter expert for product release matters.
• Lead and/or participate in project management initiatives as appropriate to the Integrated Process Team.
• Provide direct support for regulatory inspections and audits.
• Support validation activities and all other associated Quality-related activities pertaining to the Integrated Process Team.
• Identify and resolve technical and operational issues; collaborate with others to resolve issues.
• Implement Integrated Process Team plans and priorities based on division scorecard and yearly Hoshin Kanri.
• Manage and forecast the budget of the Integrated Process Team.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Science, Engineering, or a related field of study.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience in the vaccine manufacturing/operations industry.
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory/management experience (people, budget, organization, and results) or equivalent.
• Strategic and effective team-building skills that focus on mentoring and coaching.
• Positive and effective communication skills.
• Demonstration of high analytical and logical problem-solving abilities.
• Working knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing principles and operating systems.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with SAP and inventory control.
• Knowledge of 8-Step Problem Solving, Kata, and other lean coaching tools.

Required Skills

• Collaborative Leadership
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Lean Manufacturing
• Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Operations
• People Leadership
• People Management
• Production Operations
• Product Release
• USDA Regulations
• Vaccine Manufacturing

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds.

San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

The salary range for this role is $129,000.00 - $203,100.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
• The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: Yes Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.