Associate Director, Manufacturing Technology Lead

Job Description

We are looking for a highly experienced and influential automation leader who thrives in complex GMP environments and is passionate about driving digital transformation and smart manufacturing initiatives.
 

For our Animal Health location in Boxmeer, we are looking for an:

Associate Director, Manufacturing Technology Lead

Welcome to our team
Our Animal Health site in Boxmeer is part of a global network dedicated to the development and production of high-quality animal health products under strict GMP regulations.

Within our engineering and manufacturing organization, we focus on delivering innovative, future-ready solutions that enable efficient, compliant, and scalable production. Digital transformation and automation play a key role in achieving our vision of Smart Factories and Autonomous Manufacturing.

You will work closely with global and local stakeholders across Engineering, Manufacturing, IT/OT, and Quality. The team combines deep technical expertise with strong collaboration, aiming to deliver impactful and sustainable solutions across our sites.

About the role
As AD Manufacturing Technology Lead, you are responsible for defining, designing, and delivering Operational Technology (OT) solutions within major engineering projects. You act as a technical authority and strategic leader, ensuring alignment with global automation standards and driving the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies.

You play a pivotal role in shaping the future of manufacturing by integrating advanced automation systems, enabling data-driven decision-making, and supporting autonomous operations. This role combines technical leadership, stakeholder management, and project execution in a highly regulated environment.

Key responsibilities

• Define and own the Operational Technology (OT) scope within site and global engineering projects
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to ensure alignment on scope, strategy, and delivery
• Develop OT strategies and secure stakeholder approval
• Provide technical leadership and design assurance across all project phases (concept to commissioning)
• Ensure systems are designed and delivered in line with global automation standards
• Drive digital transformation through implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies
• Partner with global IT/OT teams to define standards and technology roadmaps
• Collaborate with internal and external engineering partners to deliver complex projects
• Manage communication and alignment between vendors, contractors, and internal teams
• Ensure integration of systems across IT architecture, MES, process historians, and data platforms
• Support manufacturing operations, quality, and supply continuity through robust system design
• Ensure that delivered solutions are future-ready and aligned with operational needs

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, IT, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Extensive experience with GMP Process Control Systems (PCS) in pharmaceutical or biotech environments
• Strong expertise in DCS, SCADA, PLC systems, including full lifecycle delivery (design, procurement, commissioning)
• Solid understanding of biotech and API manufacturing processes
• Experience with drug product automation (e.g., vial filling, packaging lines) is an advantage
• Proven track record in technical leadership and project execution
• Strong understanding of OT/IT integration, including MES, data historians, and analytics platforms
• Experience with secure system integration and automation architectures
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Fluent in English
• Knowledge of GMP regulations and regulatory expectations
• Experience with OT cybersecurity, electronic batch records (EBR), and data analytics
• Familiarity with laboratory and warehouse automation systems

What we offer
We offer a truly global, dynamic, and challenging environment where digital excellence directly supports patient and animal health. You can expect strong opportunities for professional growth and a competitive total rewards package, including:

• A competitive salary, depending on your knowledge and experience.
• A 3% year‑end allowance and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• A minimum of 35.5 days of paid leave.
• Travel expense reimbursement and a solid pension plan.
• A high‑quality company restaurant offering fresh and healthy options daily.
• Excellent accessibility: the train station is located directly at the main entrance, and ample parking is available.
• A beautiful private park on site, ideal for walking, taking a break, or relaxing.
• Mental wellbeing support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.
• Extensive career development opportunities thanks to the size of the site and the presence of many disciplines and global departments represented in Boxmeer.
• A workplace within an organization that continues to grow and evolve.

Animal Health Division
Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society and our planet. We offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of products, services and technologies that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species.

                      

For questions about this vacancy
Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: [email protected]

Required Skills:

Audit Management, Business Process Improvements, Capital Projects, Data Management, Digital Transformation, GMP Compliance, Manufacturing Engineering, Operational Technology (OT), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Problem Management, Procurement, Project Management, Project Management Engineering, Project Procurement Management, Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Regulatory Compliance, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Technology Strategies

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

08/2/2026

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