Vaccine Manufacturing Leader - Associate Director

Merck & Co.; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in De Soto, Kansas seeks an Associate Director of Vaccine Manufacturing to lead a world‑class team at the Center of Excellence in the Animal Health Corridor, driving production of veterinary vaccines and ensuring compliance with all procedures.

You will oversee Integrated Process Team activities, manage budgets, support regulatory inspections, and mentor staff, with opportunities for annual bonus and long‑term incentives as applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience in the vaccine manufacturing/operations industry.
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory/management experience (people, budget, organization, and results) or equivalent.
• Strategic and effective team-building skills that focus on mentoring and coaching.
• Positive and effective communication skills.
• Demonstration of high analytical and logical problem-solving abilities.
• Working knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing principles and operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Integrated Process Team with comprehensive management of all activities required to support vaccine manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with procedures and train the team on new or revised processes.
• Review and approve Quality Notifications.
• Author, review, and approve SOPs.
• Serve as SME for product release matters.
• Lead and/or participate in project management initiatives.
• Provide support for regulatory inspections and audits.
• Support validation activities and other Quality-related activities.
• Identify and resolve technical and operational issues; collaborate with others.
• Implement IP Team plans based on division scorecard and yearly Hoshin Kanri.
• Manage and forecast the IP Team budget.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Collaborative Leadership

GMP

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Operations

People Leadership

People Management

Production Operations

Product Release

USDA Regulations

Vaccine Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Science, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

SAP

Inventory Control

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in De Soto, Kansas seeks an Associate Director of Vaccine Manufacturing to lead a world‑class team at the Center of Excellence in the Animal Health Corridor, driving production of veterinary vaccines and ensuring compliance with all procedures.

You will oversee Integrated Process Team activities, manage budgets, support regulatory inspections, and mentor staff, with opportunities for annual bonus and long‑term incentives as applicable.