Planner 2, Maintenance

Merck & Co.; Holly Springs (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in North Carolina is seeking a Planner 2, Maintenance to optimize maintenance planning, scheduling, and execution at the Holly Springs site.

You will coordinate with production, logistics, and cross-functional teams to minimize downtime and ensure safe, compliant operations. The role emphasizes data-driven decisions, keeping CMMS up to date, tracking KPIs, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 6 years of maintenance/engineering experience.
• Associate's degree in Maintenance or related field with 4 years of maintenance/engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Maintenance, Engineering, or related field with 2 years of maintenance/engineering experience.
• Experience in maintenance or engineering in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience with planning and scheduling maintenance activities and related software (e.g., EAM, CMMS).
• Experience with pharmaceutical industry regulations (FDA guidelines).

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages the Maintenance planning, scheduling, and job plans.
• Assists with planning and scheduling of site-wide shutdowns and slowdowns.
• Maintains accurate maintenance activity records and documentation.
• Partners with stakeholders to develop work instructions and schedules.
• Coordinates with production and logistics teams to minimize downtime.
• Monitors KPIs to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Ensures planning data in CMMS is up to date and accurate.
• Analyzes data to optimize maintenance planning and reliability.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Adaptability

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Maintenance best practices

Mentoring

Excel

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CMMS / EAM

Regulatory compliance experience

Job description

Position Overview

The Planner 2, Maintenance ensures the reliability and efficiency of the equipment and systems at the facility. This role uses knowledge of maintenance processes and regulatory requirements to plan, schedule, and coordinate maintenance activities to optimize operational productivity and minimize downtime. Additionally, this role seeks opportunities for continuous improvement and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure successful completion of maintenance activities.

Job Description

What You'll Do

• Develops and manages the Maintenance planning, scheduling, and job plans
• Assists with planning and scheduling of site-wide shutdowns and slowdowns
• Maintains accurate maintenance activity records and documentation
• Partners with stakeholders to develop work instructions and schedules
• Coordinates with production and logistics teams to ensure work is executed on time and minimizes out of service time
• Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), including Work Order backlog, rescheduled work, and schedule accuracy to identify trends and areas for improvement
• Ensures planning data is accurate and up to date in the company's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
• Analyzes data (e.g., equipment history, performance, etc.) to optimize maintenance planning and schedules, reliability, and supply chain performance
• Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives to reduce equipment downtime and improve equipment life expectancy
• Partners with required stakeholders to develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Builds and maintains relationships with cross-functional teams, vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure high-quality materials and job plans
• Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
• Notifies management or Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) when unsafe conditions or hazards are found
• Other duties, as assigned

Knowledge & Skills

• Effective communication, both written and oral
• Strong time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects
• Willingness to adapt to new processes, technologies, and regulations
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Detail-oriented
• Knowledge of maintenance best practices
• Ability to train or mentor others
• Strong data management and Microsoft Excel skills

Required Skills

• High School Diploma/GED with 6 years of experience maintenance or engineering; or
• Associate's degree in Maintenance or related field with 4 years of experience in maintenance or engineering; or
• Bachelor's degree in Maintenance, Engineering, or related field with 2 years of experience in maintenance or engineering
• Experience in maintenance or engineering in the pharmaceutical industry
• Experience with planning and scheduling maintenance activities and related software (e.g., Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), CMMS)
• Experience with pharmaceutical industry regulations (e.g., Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines)

Preferred Skills and Certification

• Experience with CMMS software implementation and maintenance
• Experience with project management methodologies, such as Agile or Waterfall
• Experience with maintenance troubleshooting and continuous improvement processes

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Will work in environment which may necessitate respiratory protection.

May work in Mechanical/Production spaces that may require hearing protection and enrollment in a hearing conservation program.

Will work in environment operating a motor vehicle or Powered Industrial Truck.

Ability to discern audible cues.

Ability to inspect or perform a task with 20/20 corrected vision, visual acuity, including distinguishing color.

Ability to ascend or descend ladders, scaffolding, ramps, etc.

Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to conduct activities using repetitive motions that include writes, hands and/or fingers.

Ability to operate machinery and/or power tools.

Ability to conduct work that includes moving objects up to 33 lbs.

Ability to bend, push or pull, reach to retrieve materials from 18" to 60" in height, and use twisting motions.

Will work in warm/cold environments.

Will work in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Will work in small and/or enclosed spaces.

Will work in heights greater than 4 feet.