Job Description
A unique opportunity has arisen for an Operational Excellence Expert with a background in Drug Substance, Drug Product and/or Pharmaceutical packaging process improvement to join our highly talented Global Operational Excellence team. This director-level position can be based at any of our locations worldwide.
In this individual contributor position, you will apply advanced approaches to develop a continuous improvement culture and problem-solving environment to steer the organization as an Operational Excellence Professional. Ensure the organization, at all levels, impact the status quo to achieve business needs by using and deploying the MPS Management System (MPS is our internal operational excellence system) appropriately in all the organization's areas of business including at site level, above site and in external manufacturing settings.
Under the direction of the Regional Site Support Director, the MPS Technical Director will work with management teams at sites manufacturing Drug Substance, Drug Product and Packaging. Approximately 50% of the time will be spent on the floor providing direct, hands-on support of activities, while 25% will be spent coaching executives and managers within the Line of Business (LoB), 25% Book of Knowledge.
Due to the nature of the work and diversity of sites, expected travel is up to 50%.
The Operational Excellence Technical Director role includes but is not limited to the following deliverables:

• Partner with functional management, plant managers and their SLTs to provide strategic oversight and vision for the implementation of MPS within the company and develop Strategic plans to execute performance improvement activities.
• Develop and/or influence standard systematic improvement approaches to be adopted by the team
• Develop and maintain a "book of knowledge" specific to Drug Substance, Drug Product and Packaging which allows for ever more fast and effective progress with each successive engagement at a customer
• Manage end-to-end Line of Business process improvements and projects to drive results
• Utilize various tools, techniques, and way of thinking in conjunction with the House of MPS and MPS improvement system to diagnose, investigate and improve business processes
• Provide teaching and coaching to effectively develop talent and transfer Lean skills into the organization for the development of Lean experts.
• Act as the recognized global point of contact and expert for any DS /DP/Packaging related subject as informed by the latest developments
• Support and train all GMPS team members on the book of knowledge
• Apply a high level of Change Management Expertise enabling coaching and development of others to ensure all activities include appropriate change management methods and risk mitigation approaches.
• Support all areas of the Business with Change Execution Management guidance no matter what the program content.

MPS Technical Director Capabilities:

• Skilled in application of advanced MPS skills needed to drive beyond stability and into more advanced areas of
  • Efficiency improvements beyond stability (labor, material, equipment, method - 4M)
  • Lead time reduction (inventory)
  • Door to door pull systems
  • Rhythm wheels and role cards
  • Proactive approaches to reduce problems
  • Integration with Digital solutions and opportunities
• Demonstrates End to End Business Acumen focused on Outcomes Orientation and be able to engage sponsor and clients, direct major changes, and effectively coach senior management and E2E Managers.
• Demonstrate the capability to drive accountability for execution while navigating and influencing stakeholder r equirements
• Capable of assessing the organization and intervening effectively.
• Demonstrates the ability to use knowledge and Experience to foresee global market and economic trends, and work with management to create effective strategies to take advantage of these trends.
• Proactively recognize and mitigate barriers to cross-functional initiatives and can act as an intermediary across divisional, geographical, and cultural boundaries.
  Required Experience and Skills:
• Specific background in successfully bringing about improvements in Pharma Drug Substance, Drug Product, Packaging beyond basic stability
• Expertise in analyzing complex end-to-end supply chains and driving process improvement
• Hands on application of Lean tools and techniques: Standardized work, scientific problem solving, value stream mapping, mistake proofing, SMED , 5S-Visual management, Heijunka
• Experience applying consultative skills: ability to influence decision making, execute and coach on change management ( SRF ), ability to interact with all levels of the business (senior leaders to shop floor working teams), project management skills (demonstrated ability in managing large teams), solid business acumen, proven team building skills, exceptionally good listening skills, results oriented, strong analytical skills, and prior process improvement roles..
• Coaching, Teaching and driving a high-performance organization. Proven record in coaching and teaching others to think, behave and apply lean methods and tools. Ability to enable and leverage diverse perspectives, talents, etc. to achieve business outcomes.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement , all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions. If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.
Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
Secondary Language(s) Job Description
We are seeking a Growth and Improvement minded Technical Lead Director | Company Production System (MPS) that can help drive our Strategic Operating Priorities.

• Invent | Pursue the Most Promising Internal and External Science to Address Significant Unmet Medical Needs
• Execute | Prioritize Resources Behind Our Key Growth Drivers (Oncology, Vaccines, Select Specialty Areas, Animal Health) While Optimizing Our Base Business)
• Adapt | Develop Our People, Culture and Business Model to Evolve with a Dynamic Landscape
• Diverse Talent | We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment with supporting leadership behaviors because having a high-performing, engaged workforce is critical to our ability to deliver innovative solutions to patients and customers around the world
• Values and Standards | Our Steadfast Commitment to Our Values and Standards will Continue to Guide Us as We Take on New Challenges and Will Always be Fundamental to Our Success - They are a Competitive Advantage for Us

Summary, Focus and Purpose
Our Company Production System (MPS) is equivalent to Lean/Toyota based Production System. The Technical Lead Director | Company Production System (MPS) requires an industry leading, advanced approach to develop a continuous improvement and problem solving environment to lead the organization as an MPS Professional. You will ensure the organization, at all levels, challenges the status quo to achieve business needs by using and deploying the MPS Management System appropriately in all areas of business, above site, site levels as well as external manufacturing.
Under the direction of the Regional Site Support Director, the Technical Lead Director will work with leaders and sites manufacturing pharmaceutical drug substance, drug product and packaging. Approximately 50% of the time will be spent on the floor providing direct support of activities, while 25% will be spent coaching leaders within the Line of Business (LoB), add 25% Book of Knowledge Due to the nature of the work and diversity of sites and expected travel up to 75%.
Key Functions
General

• Work Independently and as a Team member with Integrity | Precision | Accomplishment | Motivational Ambition | Respect | Inclusion
• Partner with and consult functional leaders, plant managers and their leadership teams to provide strategic leadership and vision for the implementation of MPS within the Manufacturing Division (MD) and to develop Strategic plans and execute performance improvement activities to achieve business goal
• Develop and or influence standard systematic improvement approaches to be adopted by the team
• Develop and maintain a book of knowledge specific to pharmaceutical drug substance, drug product and packaging which allows for ever more fast and effective progress with each successive engagement at a customer
• Manage end-to-end LoB process improvements and projects to drive results and realize intended business benefit
• Utilize various tools, techniques, and way of thinking in conjunction with the House of MPS and MPS improvement system to diagnose, analyze and improve business processes
• Provide teaching and coaching to effectively develop talent and transfer Lean skills into the organization for the development of Lean Leaders
• Be the recognized global point of contact and expert for any DS/DP/Packaging related subject as informed by the latest developments
• Support and train all GMPS team members on the book of knowledge
• High level of Change Management Expertise enabling coaching and development of others to ensure all MMSO activities include appropriate SRF (change management) Company methods and risk mitigation approaches. Support all areas of the Business with Change Execution Management guidance no matter what the program content

Technical Lead Director Capabilities
Skilled in the application of advanced MPS skills needed to drive beyond stability and into more advanced areas of

• Efficiency improvements beyond stability (labor, material, equipment, method - 4M)
• Lead time reduction (inventory)
• Door to door pull systems
• Rhythm wheels and role cards
• Proactive approaches to reduce problems
• Integration with Digital solutions and opportunities
• Demonstrates End to End Business Acumen focused on Outcomes Orientation and be able to engage sponsor and clients, lead major changes, and effectively coach senior leaders and E2E Managers
• Demonstrate the capability to drive accountability for execution while navigating and influencing stakeholder requirements
• Capable of assessing the organization and intervening (collective and individual)
• Demonstrates the ability to use knowledge and experience to foresee global market and economic trends, and work with leaders to create industry-leading strategies to take advantage of these trends
• Proactively recognize and mitigate barriers to cross-functional initiatives and can act as an intermediary across divisional, geographical, and cultural boundaries
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and challenging the status quo, while driving departmental/regional strategies that align with our Company's long-term strategy
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively scope, assign tasks and allocate resources for meeting goals within projected budget
• Mentor others on effective communication and active listening techniques to fully understand client/customer needs and expectations
• Lead value deep process analysis through value stream mapping to measure stagnation of inventory and information and can lead Kaizen to increase capacity and improve process performance
• Develop visual controls and framework to make problems visible and responds with urgency to effectively break down complex problems, lead root cause analysis, and develop effective countermeasures
• Lead and coach Kaizen with a team to achieve multiple target conditions to achieve an overall challenge
• Build trust and develop new relationships with internal and external clients to effectively collaborate and achieve successful outcomes at a regional/global
• Masters advanced GMPS improvement methods (observations, SWCT, RC, RW, etc.)
• Masters GMPS foundations (Level 4 in all of them)
• Ideally has experience and understanding of a P&L

Education

• Required | Bachelor degree in a related field
• Preferred | Master degree

Required

• Eight to ten years of successful Operational Excellence/Lean implementation experience including Strategy Development/Deployment
• Three to five years experience successfully bringing about improvements in Pharma Drug Substance, Drug Product, Packaging beyond basic stability
• Experience analyzing complex end-to-end supply chains and driving process improvement
• Hands on application of Lean tools and techniques: Standardized work, scientific problem solving, value stream mapping, mistake proofing, SMED, 5S-Visual management, Heijunka
• Experience applying consultative skills: ability to influence decision making, execute and coach on change management (SRF), ability to interact with all levels of the business (senior leaders to shop floor working teams), project management skills (demonstrated experience in managing large teams), solid business acumen, proven team building skills, exceptionally good listening skills, results oriented, strong analytical skills, and prior process improvement experience
• Coaching, Teaching and driving a high-performance organization | Proven experience in coaching and teaching others to think, behave and apply lean methods and tools | Experience enabling and leveraging diverse perspectives, talents, etc. to achieve business outcomes

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement , all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions. If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.
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 if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
Pay Transparency Nondiscriminatio n
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas 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
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".
Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate's relevant skills, experience, and education.
Expected salary range:
$144,320.00 - $227,100.00
Available benefits include bonus eligibility, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. For Washington State Jobs, a summary of benefits is listed here .
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:
50%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Requisition ID:R254033