Manager, Operations

MSD Malaysia; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Paid holidays

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to lead production shifts in a fast-paced GMP manufacturing environment.

You will supervise a team of individual contributors, coordinate cross-functional activities, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining safety and quality standards. The role emphasizes leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on problem solving in a 24/7 vaccine manufacturing context, with strong collaboration across Quality, Technical Services and Planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or higher with manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading GMP-compliant manufacturing teams.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift objectives and ensure reliable production output.
• Coordinate with Quality, Technical Services and Planning teams.
• Drive continuous improvement and safety culture.

Skills

Aseptic Manufacturing

cGMP Compliance

Data Analysis

Operations Management

People Leadership

Quality Control

Process Engineering

Lean Six Sigma

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor degree or higher

Tools

SAP

MES

DeltaV

Job description

Job Description Our Manufacturing 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. As an Operations Manager you will be in a critical position to the organization with direct impact on our Company vision to make a difference in the lives of people globally. In this role you will be a Leader in the production areas that drives the execution of production objectives, while creating an inclusive culture that energizes a Safety First, Quality Always, with a continuous improvement mindset. You will also have the ability to direct, coordinate, and counsel cross‑functional collaboration with Quality, Technical Services, Planning, Global Functions and other areas to assure optimal quality and quantity of finished products. This is an excellent opportunity if you are looking to build or expand your career in Vaccine Manufacturing. As an Operations Manager you will be given the opportunity to challenge and grow your talents through progressive on the job training and development of interpersonal and leadership skills to overcome difficult situations and solve technical problems.

Responsibilities

• First line supervisor with a team of individual contributor Union production direct reports
• Ensure that Shift(s) objectives are achieved while reliably supplying quality product at a competitive cost consistent with our Company, Regulatory Agency, and State and Local code requirements for quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), equal employment opportunity, finances, labor, employee, environment and safety, not in that order
• Tactical and strategic Shift(s) management, including collaboration with indirect staff
• Promote the behaviors and principles that drive continuous improvement
• Typically, coordinates and supervises the daily activities of individual contributors
• Sets priorities for the team to ensure task completion; coordinates work activities with other supervisors
• Decisions are guided by policies

Education Requirements

• Bachelor degree or higher with either four years of relevant experience in manufacturing or military service or two years’ experience in a direct Good Manufacturing Practice , biotechnology manufacturing setting with demonstrated leadership skills or High School Diploma/GED with six years of relevant experience in manufacturing or military service

Preferred Experience

• Record of safely and effectively leading teams in the manufacturing of high-quality product
• Consistent demonstration of strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, teamwork, technical, and problem-solving skills to motivate direct reports and peers to excel and "own" the process
• Lean, Six Sigma problem solving skills coupled with a continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to prioritize, focus on and obtain business results
• Principled and effective communication and organizational skills
• Technical writing related to procedures and investigations SAP, MES and DeltaV

Shift and Hours

Must be able to work 2nd, 3rd or a rotating shift, which may include weekends. This site operates on a 24/7 schedule.

Required Skills

• Adaptability
• Adaptability
• Aseptic Manufacturing
• Business Activity Monitoring
• cGMP Compliance
• Customer-Focused
• Data Analysis
• Employee Performance Standards
• Functional Management
• Goal Attainment
• Goal Setting
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Inventory Management
• Line Management
• Manufacturing Quality Control
• Operational Activities
• Operational Excellence
• Operations Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Packaging Operations
• People Leadership
• People Management
• Policy Reviews
• Procedure Writing
• Process Engineering
• {+ 10 more}

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare
• other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits
• 401(k)
• paid holidaysvacation
• compassionate and sick days

The salary range for this role is $96,200.00 - $151,400.00 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.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 3rd - Night Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): NA

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. 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

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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.

Job Posting End Date: 09/15/2026

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

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.