Job Description
An exciting opportunity is available to become the Production lead at our Ballydine site on a fixed term contract.
The successful candidate will be the Factory 03 Production Lead that runs the day-to-day operations and helps deliver production, quality and continuous‑improvement targets. The role is also a critical enabler to realise the operationalisation of the BACE project.
As a member of the API IPT leadership team you will manage a small production team, own performance metrics, drive Lean improvements, ensure compliance with cGMP and safety rules, and manage the operating budget.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead daily operations of Factory 03, coaching and developing a team of production staff (6 direct reports).
* Own and report production performance (inventory, cost, cycle time, customer service) and develop action plans to close gaps.
* Identify and lead Lean/Operational Excellence projects (VSM, 5S, waste elimination, variability reduction).
* Support planning and resolve issues raised in daily/weekly/monthly IPT reviews; ensure resources are deployed to meet targets.
* Strategically plan how Fac03 will be set up in the future to be the flagship small molecule commercialisation facility.
* Ensure all Fac03 activities comply with cGMP, environmental, health & safety and labour regulations; act as a subsystem owner within relevant quality systems.
* Prepare and manage the Factory 3 operating budget.
* Act as the production contact for union matters and participate in plant negotiations as required.
* Serve in the site Emergency Control Centre when required and act as delegate for the API IPT Leader when needed.
What we’re looking for
* Honours degree in Engineering, Science or Business Administration.
* Minimum 5 years’ line management experience in a production environment with direct people management.
* Practical experience with Lean/Operational Excellence tools (e.g., VSM, 5S).
* Strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, H&S and environmental regulations.
* Proven skills in planning, problem solving, performance management and communication.
Core competencies
* Leadership and people development
* Results orientation and analytical problem solving
* Budget and inventory management
* Project management and continuous improvement
* Negotiation and conflict resolution
Required Skills:
* Annual Budgeting Process
* Aseptic Operations
* Communication
* Conflict Resolution
* Decision Making
* GMP Compliance
* Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
* Interpersonal Relationships
* Leadership
* Lean Management
* Lean Manufacturing
* Lean Process Improvements
* Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement
* Management Process
* Manufacturing Quality Control
* Organizational Performance Management
* Packaging Processes
* People Leadership
* Personnel Administration
* Process Improvements
* Production Management
* Production Ramp Up
* Production Scheduling
* Profit and Loss (P&L) Management
* + 3 more
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:
Temporary (Fixed Term)
Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
11/4/2025
Job posting effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
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