Director, Operations - API

MSD

Elkton (KY)

On-site

USD 173,000 - 273,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

MSD in Elkton, VA is seeking a Director, IPT Leader, API to shape the future operating model for our small molecule API facilities. You will lead site ramp-up, organizational design, and governance while aligning with divisional goals and safety standards.

The role requires 10+ years in regulated manufacturing, strong leadership, cGMP knowledge, and experience with Lean Six Sigma. You will drive performance, capability building, and cross-functional collaboration across Quality, EHS,

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Leadership experience in Manufacturing, Technical Operations, Quality Operations, Engineering, and/or Production Planning.
Experience leading teams with direct and indirect reports.
Strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, regulatory readiness, and safety/environmental practices.
Demonstrated experience with operational planning, project leadership, or site ramp-up/start-up activities.
Proven ability to lead in complex environments and manage multiple priorities across functions.
Strong business acumen and experience with financial stewardship and resource planning.
Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving tools.
Effective communication, coaching, and change leadership skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of the future-state operating model for the API operations at Elkton, VA.
Support site start-up, ramp-up, and operational readiness activities through project leadership and cross-functional coordination.
Define organizational structure, culture, operating rhythms, governance, and capability needs for the evolving site.
Ensure readiness plans, risk assessments, and implementation plans are developed and executed effectively.
Promote safe, compliant and reliable API operations aligned to production and supply objectives.
Lead operational reviews and daily management routines to maintain visibility of performance and priorities.
Drive structured problem solving and use performance metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
Support production planning, resource deployment, and issue resolution to meet site objectives.
Promote lean thinking and continuous improvement to improve flow and right-first-time performance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Project Management

Lean Six Sigma

Change Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering or related

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

At our company, we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. We are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

Join a purpose-built, agile small molecule manufacturing site where your work will help bring important medicines to patients in the U.S. This facility is designed to move quickly and reliably, receiving technology transfers from commercialization sites and fast-following into production with a focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence.

At our site, you’ll be part of a team committed to creating a safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant workplace where people can do their best work. We are building deep small molecule expertise in the U.S., and we want team members who are excited to grow their skills, help improve how we operate, and contribute to a site positioned for future growth.

Job Purpose:

The Director, IPT Leader, API provides leadership, technical and operational expertise to the Integrated Process Team (IPT) supporting the API manufacturing value stream at the Elkton, VA site. This role is accountable for shaping the future operating model for our new small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, including project and site readiness, organizational design, and the establishment of operating rhythms, governance, IPT culture, Ways of Working, and performance standards.

In the early project phases, the incumbent will lead strategic and tactical planning, cross-functional coordination, and project management activities required to support successful site build-out and operational ramp-up. As the site matures, the role will transition into full IPT leadership, accountable for safe, compliant, reliable, and efficient API operations, delivery performance, continuous improvement, stewardship, and people development. The incumbent serves as a member of the site leadership team and ensures alignment of site priorities with divisional and company strategies.

Primary Responsibilities:

Site Leadership and Strategy

Serve as a member of the Site Leadership Team and help align IPT priorities with site and company strategy.
Provide direction to establish tactical and strategic plans that support API ramp-up and long-term operational success.
Partner across the site and with above-site teams to ensure strong coordination, decision-making, and execution.
Represent the IPT and the site as needed with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Future-State Operating Model and Ramp-Up

Lead the development of the future-state operating model for the API operations at Elkton, VA.
Support site start-up, ramp-up, and operational readiness activities through project leadership and cross-functional coordination.
Help define organizational structure, organizational culture, operating rhythms, governance, and capability needs for the evolving site.
Ensure readiness plans, risk assessments, and implementation plans are developed and executed effectively.

Operations Excellence and Delivery

Ensure safe, compliant, and reliable and RFT API operations in support of production and supply objectives.
Lead operational reviews and daily management routines to maintain visibility to performance, issues, and priorities.
Drive structured problem solving and the use of performance metrics to identify trends, action plans, and opportunities for improvement.
Support production planning, resource deployment, and issue resolution to meet site objectives.
Promote lean thinking and continuous improvement to improve flow, throughput, right-first-time performance, and operational stability.

Financial Stewardship

Support and/or own budget planning and financial stewardship for the IPT, including operating and capital spend.
Partner with site leadership to identify opportunities for productivity, efficiency, and cost improvement.
Ensure resources are allocated effectively to support current and future business needs.

Quality and Safety Stewardship

Promote a strong quality culture and support a state of permanent inspection readiness.
Ensure cGMP compliance and effective management of deviations, investigations, and corrective actions.
Partner with Quality, EHS, Engineering, Technical, and Supply Chain teams to support site priorities and maintain strong compliance standards.
Ensure appropriate training, documentation, and change management practices are in place to support safe and compliant operations.
Champion a strong safety culture and support risk management activities across the IPT.

People Leadership

Lead, coach, and develop a team of leaders and contributors to build a high-performing organization.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning.
Support talent development, succession planning, and ongoing skill-building within the IPT.
Communicate clearly and regularly to align the team around priorities, expectations, and performance.

Minimum Required Education, Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related scientific/technical discipline.
10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Manufacturing, Technical Operations, Quality Operations, Engineering, and/or Production Planning.
Experience leading teams with direct and indirect reports.
Strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, regulatory readiness, and safety/environmental practices.
Demonstrated experience with operational planning, project leadership, or site ramp-up/start-up activities.
Proven ability to lead in complex environments and manage multiple priorities across functions.
Strong business acumen and experience with financial stewardship and resource planning.
Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and structured problem‑solving tools.
Effective communication, coaching, and change leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
Experience in small molecule API manufacturing or commercial pharmaceutical operations.
Prior experience supporting a manufacturing site start‑up, transformation, or ramp‑up.
Experience developing future‑state operating models, organizational structures, or operational governance systems.
Lean Six Sigma certification or deep practical application of Lean tools.
Experience in a highly matrixed global manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success in talent development, employee engagement, and succession planning.
Experience with capacity planning, capital planning, supply planning, and S&OP.
Familiarity with inspection readiness, deviation management, and broader quality systems in a regulated environment.

This is a unique opportunity to help define and lead the future of a growing API site from the ground up. You’ll have the chance to influence how the site operates, build a strong team, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality medicines for patients around the world.

#ELKVACOE

Required Skills: Adaptability, Adaptability, API Manufacturing, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Business Acumen, Business Agility, Capacity Planning, Capital Planning, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Financial Budgeting, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Quality Control, Operational Excellence, Organizational Culture, People Leadership, Plant Turnaround, Process Optimization, Production Management, Production Scheduling, Project Leadership, Project Management, Regulatory Compliance, Results-Oriented, Six Sigma {+ 3 more}

Preferred Skills:

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. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

The salary range for this role is

$173,200.00 - $272,600.00

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.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits

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

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated