Manager, Maintenance

MSD Malaysia; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD Animal Health invites applications for a senior maintenance leadership role in De Soto, Kansas. You will build and lead a brand‑new maintenance team to support 24/7 formulation, filling, lyophilization, and utility operations, while ensuring cGMP compliance and a strong safety culture.

You will oversee the maintenance group, drive efficiency, and implement CMMS to track work orders and history. A strong mechanical/electrical background and extensive leadership experience are required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in applicable field or equivalent trade school/military training with extensive industrial leadership experience.
• 10+ years of engineering, maintenance, or operations experience.
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude with proven problem‑solving skills.
• Organized planner and leader with hands‑on capability when needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; collaborative and team‑oriented.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a brand‑new maintenance team to support 24/7 formulation and operations.
• Oversee maintenance group performance, set expectations, and foster safety culture.
• Improve efficiency through planning, scheduling, and downtime reduction.
• Oversee CMMS setup to track work orders, parts, and equipment histories.
• Support commissioning, qualification, and startup of the new facility.
• Coordinate with suppliers and contractors to ensure timely, compliant startup.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP and support regulatory audits.

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 Animal Health Division 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. You will join 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, recruit, hire, onboard, and train a brand‑new team of mechanical and electrical technicians to support 24/7 formulation, filling, lyophilization, and utility operations.
• Lead the maintenance group, conduct performance reviews, set clear expectations, and foster a strong culture of Safety and Personal Ownership.
• Drive maintenance department efficiency through structured oversight, resource planning, and job scheduling processes designed to optimize planned maintenance and wrench‑time while minimizing downtime.
• Oversee the setup and implementation of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders, spare parts, and equipment histories for the new facility.
• Support the commissioning and qualification of the new facility.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, equipment suppliers, and contractors to ensure a timely and compliant startup.
• Ensure all maintenance activities, SOPs, and records are executed and documented in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
• Support regulatory audits and inspections, addressing Maintenance‑related questions.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Education Minimum Requirement

Associate’s degree in applicable field, OR equivalent trade school/military training combined with extensive industrial leadership experience.

Required Experience and Skills

• 5+ years of maintenance leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years of engineering, maintenance, or operations experience.
• Have strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude with proven problem‑solving skills.
• Organized planner and leader, with the technical capability to assist hands‑on as needed.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative nature with strong team building skills.
• Able to learn from and accept guidance from others.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, prioritize effectively, and consistently deliver high‑quality results.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in related Engineering or Technical Management
• Direct experience working in aseptic environments, automatic filling lines and/or lyophilized products.
• Experience working in a regulated environment, particularly FDA or USDA facilities.
• Experience supporting the startup of large‑scale projects and/or facilities.

Schedule Requirements

Day shift, Monday through Friday as base schedule. Off‑shift support may be required during periods of equipment startup or troubleshooting. Must be willing to travel to equipment suppliers for acceptance testing (FAT’s) during construction phase of the project.

Required Skills

• Ability to Coordinate
• Ability to Coordinate
• Accountability
• Competency Management
• Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
• Computer Maintenance
• Decision Making
• Engineering Management
• Environmental Regulatory Compliance
• Equipment Installations
• Equipment Maintenance