Manufacturing OT 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 OT 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

As a Manufacturing OT Lead, you'll orchestrate the design and delivery of pioneering Operational Technology solutions for major engineering projects. This pivotal role involves driving Industry 4.0 innovations and ensuring alignment with our global automation strategy. Candidates with strong automation skills in GMP settings and shown leadership abilities can influence the future of manufacturing at a leading biopharma firm.

Key responsibilities

• Define Operational Technology (OT) scope within Global Engineering projects;
• Collaborate with site and project partners to ensure alignment with project scope;
• Formulate OT strategy and secure approval from project collaborators;
• Provide technical leadership and design assurance during capital project design from concept through detailed design and equipment selection;
• Communicate site and project requirements to vendors;
• Ensure systems are specified and delivered in alignment with our global automation strategy;
• Drive digital transformation by implementing Industry 4.0 technologies to establish Smart Factories and Autonomous Manufacturing;
• Engage with colleagues in Global IT/OT to set standards, develop technology strategy, and ensure alignment;
• Work optimally with local and internationally located peer engineers to deliver complex projects as a team.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or IT related field;
• 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;
• Demonstrated Project Management skills;
• Extensive knowledge and experience of delivering GMP Process Control Systems (PCS) as part of major Pharmaceutical/Biotech investments;
• Strong understanding of both Biotech and API manufacturing processes;
• Drug Product automation experience of vial filling and packaging lines an advantage; including specification, delivery, and data integration;
• Understanding of the needs of the post-project operational environment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills including an ability to engage honestly and influentially with internal and external business leaders and partners;
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written in English and preferable in Dutch.

What we offer
We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits are very competitive:

• Competitive salary
• 35,5 days of leave
• Attractive collective health care insurance package with considerable reduction rates
• Solid Pension Plan
• Bonus plan subject to the company annual results
• Flexible working arrangements

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:

Automation Systems Design, Biomanufacturing, Device Integration, Digital Transformation, Equipment Calibrations, GMP Compliance, HMI Programming, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Operational Technology (OT), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, PLC Programming, Project Management, Project Procurement Management, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Technical Support

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:

02/16/2026

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