Manufacturing IT & Automation Project Lead

Job Description

Did you always want to work in a company where your work can have a real impact? Do you enjoy working in an international environment with lots of room for personal development?  

We have an exciting opportunity at the Boxmeer facility for a:

Manufacturing IT & Automation Project Lead

Welcome in our team
Global Animal Health Manufacturing IT Boxmeer delivers IT and automation solutions to the manufacturing sites Boxmeer and De Bilt. This encompasses a wide range of manufacturing IT/automation systems and technology, including PLCs, SCADAs, historians, MES systems and supporting IT applications, all aligned to a goal of ensuring frictionless flow of data and more efficient business operations. 

Purpose of the role
You will have the opportunity to drive the consistent delivery of IT and Automation projects across the Integrated Process Teams and Centers of Excellence at the sites Boxmeer and De Bilt. Besides managing your own projects, you will be responsible for developing the project management competence and will provide oversight and guidance to the project managers in the area teams. You will work closely with the Business Technology Partners to ensure timely delivery of projects according to the agreements made with our business stakeholders. You will report to the Site Digital Manufacturing Operations Lead.

Key responsibilities

• Drive standardization in project management methodologies and procedures across manufacturing IT/automation project teams based on global standards.
• Lead the manufacturing IT/automation project planning, scheduling and execution process with clear milestones, resource plan, deliverables, dependencies and critical path.
• Provide regular status updates and reports to stakeholders by communicating project progress, issues, and risks effectively to manage stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate with internal teams (IT, Operations, Engineering, Quality) and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of manufacturing IT/automation systems.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams with manufacturing IT/automation systems, including PLCs, SCADAs, historians, MES systems and supporting IT applications.
• Implement automation solutions and integrate with existing systems.
• Ensure and promote collaboration with other IT divisions as well as parts of our manufacturing network, both locally and globally, to break-down organizational boundaries in favor of a highly collaborative and customer-centric culture.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Science Engineering or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years experience in pharma is a must.
• At least 5 years proven experience with manufacturing IT/automation systems, including PLCs, SCADAs, historians, MES systems and supporting IT applications.
• At least 5 years proven project management experience managing technical projects.
• Understanding of GxP regulated environment and validation requirements.
• Preferred certified in project management methodologies.
• Experienced in using project management tooling (e.g. MS Project)
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written in English and preferable in Dutch.

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, Automated Manufacturing Systems, Automation Solutions, Business Process Improvements, Client-Centric, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Management, Digital Manufacturing, Information Technology Operations, IT Automation, Manufacturing Environments, Problem Management, Project Management, Project Management Software (PMS), Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Stakeholder Management

Preferred Skills:

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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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