Lead Technician, Operations

Merck; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Merck in De Soto, KS, seeks a manufacturing leader focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement. The role ensures daily production planning, cross-functional collaboration, and coaching of operators to meet GMP requirements and performance targets.

The candidate will apply Lean Six Sigma, drive training programs, and uphold rigorous EHS standards while coordinating with site stakeholders to stabilize and improve processes. A strong emphasis on teamwork and problem-solving is essential.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent with 3+ years manufacturing or related experience.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, EHS and good documentation practices.
• Experience applying Lean Six Sigma and project management tools.
• Ability to coach and train operators and manage performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Daily/Weekly/Monthly production schedule adherence.
• Collaborate with Operational Excellence, Engineering, Quality and R&D.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and Lean practices.
• Ensure training is provided for all assigned tasks and roles.
• Support safety, quality and compliance within the team.

Skills

Adaptability

CNC Manufacturing

Coaching

GMP

Lean Six Sigma

Production Planning

Safety Compliance

Schedule Adherence

People Management

Process Improvements

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent Three (3)+ years Manufacturing or related experience

Job description

Job Description

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.

Our De Soto Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a “Safety First, Quality Always” mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products.

Primary Responsibilities

Employee Development & Leadership:

• Models Company leadership principles and inclusive behaviours.
• Provides coaching and supports skills development and process capabilities within their team.
• Supports effective feedback and coaching within the team during the Performance Management cycle.
• Is responsible for ensuring all operators receive appropriate training for all assigned tasks.
• Supports the effective performance management of individuals in their teams.

Safety Compliance:

• Demonstrates a strong compliance mind-set (EHS and Quality) and continuously sets a high standard for themselves and others.
• Follows safe operating instructions for all tasks and equipment.
• Ensures that the right tools and equipment specified for the task are available and utilized.
• Ensures that the correct personal protective equipment required is available and utilized.
• To follow up any reported defects or workplace hazards immediately.
• To report all accidents, incidents and near misses within 24 hours and to participate in investigation and identification of effective corrective and preventative actions.

Quality Compliance:

• Supports the on-time completion of Quality compliance tasks in relation to Deviation, CAPA and Change Control management.
• Is responsible for all aspects of Quality Assurance including cGMP, RFT and good documentation practices and provides coaching to others.
• Supports the update, review and approval of GMP documentation including, but not limited to:
• SOP's
• MD's

Productivity:

• Is responsible for the Daily, Weekly and Monthly schedule adherence of production activities within their department.
• Build and maintain strong collaborations with different stakeholders throughout the Site Operations such as Operational Excellence, Engineering, Quality and R&D.
• Supports the Packaging and Warehouse Team in creating a culture of continuous improvement and leads by example.
• Supports initiatives for stabilizing and improving production processes.
• Supports the effective application of Lean Six Sigma, Project Management and Change Management Tools.
• Is responsible for the facilitation of an effective Tier 1 Meeting, including, but not limited to:
• A visual status of training within the department.
• A visual status of the completion of compliance tasks.
• A visual status of schedule adherence.
• Communication of key issues impacting the team.

Financial:

• Recognizes and investigates opportunities for financial savings.

Educational Requirements

• HS Diploma or equivalent Three (3)+ years Manufacturing or related experience.

#MSJR

The salary range for this role is: $65,100 - $102,500

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

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, CNC Manufacturing, Coaching, Computer Literacy, Corrective Action Management, Employee Training, Fabrication Processes, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Inclusive Leadership, Inventory Management, Leadership Theories, Machinery Operation, Material Selection, Meeting Facilitation, Operational Efficiency, People Management, Process Improvements, Production Planning, Production Scheduling, Safety Compliance, Safety Protocols, Schedule Adherence, Site Operations, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) {+ 8 more}

Preferred Skills:

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. Please click here (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights_10_20.pdf)

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. 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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/)

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

10/15/2026

***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.

Requisition ID:

R421203