Downstream Technical Ops Mgr

Job Description

An outstanding opportunity for a highly skilled technical leader to join the downstream technical operations function at our state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing site in Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

The Downstream Technical Operations Manager holds end-to-end technical accountability for a complex biologics programme, leading a dedicated team across the full range of downstream unit operations, including chromatography, filtration, and formulation, with accountability for manufacturing support.

This role is accountable for ensuring that a team of scientists and engineers has the appropriate scientific depth, process knowledge, and problem-solving capability to meet the evolving demands of a diverse and growing biologics pipeline. The manager will drive technical readiness, manufacturing robustness, and continuous improvement across the product lifecycle.

Reporting to the Downstream Technical Operations Associate Director, this role requires a technical leader who can balance hands-on technical engagement with effective people leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic programme delivery.

Our facility in Dunboyne joined the global manufacturing network in September 2020. The Dunboyne site is a biologics drug substance single-use commercialisation facility, playing a significant role in helping to commercialise key medicines. The innovation and collaboration between research and manufacturing teams help accelerate the time it takes to bring medicines to market for the benefit of patients around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and Manage Teams: Oversee and mentor a team of engineers and scientists within the MS&T department, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Technology Transfer Leadership: Responsible for leading key technology transfer activities in support of a diverse range of clinical and commercial new product introduction projects.
• Strategic Development: Develop strategies for, and support the execution of, technology transfer and process activities in line with industry and regulatory standards.
• Subject Matter Expert: Act as a process Subject Matter Expert in support of process investigations and provide guidance to team members.
• Risk Management: Use risk management techniques to assess strategies, prioritise activities, and support initiatives.
• Project Leadership: Lead significant business-critical projects on-site associated with new product introduction and site capability build.
• Coaching and Development: Support the coaching and professional development of other members of the technical operations team, ensuring continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Ongoing Optimisation: Drive the ongoing optimisation of process equipment and the development of future breakthrough business solutions.

Your Profile

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Level 8 degree in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Science, or equivalent), with experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Minimum of six years’ experience in a biologics drug substance environment.
• Technical expertise in biological drug substance upstream and/or downstream purification unit operations required.
• Experience in technology transfer for clinical or commercial biologics is strongly desired.
• Experience with automated systems (PAS, MES) is highly desired.
• Process validation and cleaning validation experience is desired.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and know when to escalate for resolution.
• Flexible and self-motivated, with a proven ability to work cross-functionally to deliver technical solutions to issues.
• Ability to travel internationally, as the role has a minimal travel requirement of approximately <5% per annum.

We keep patients at the heart of everything we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world’s most challenging healthcare needs. If you are ready to invent solutions that address unmet healthcare needs, help shape the future of healthcare, and inspire your team to reach their full potential while pushing the boundaries of science and technology, please apply today.

Required Skills:

Biopharmaceutical Industry, Manufacturing Process Improvements, People Leadership, Process Improvements, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Strategic Management, Team Leadership, Technology Transfer

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:

08/26/2026

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