Operational Excellence Lead - Senior Specialist, Dunboyne

Job Description

About the Role and Site

Join a leading biologics manufacturing site in Dunboyne and play a key role in driving operational excellence across Downstream Operations. As a member of the Downstream Leadership Team, you will lead the deployment of continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business results in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

This is a highly visible individual contributor role, ideal for someone who understands pharmaceutical manufacturing, enjoys influencing without authority, and can turn continuous improvement principles into practical solutions that create lasting operational impact.

Working closely with Operations, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Quality, Engineering, and site leadership teams, you will help shape how operational excellence is embedded across the organisation while supporting a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable performance.

Bring energy, knowledge, and innovation to carry out the following:

• Develop and execute the Operations Excellence roadmap for Downstream Operations.
• Identify improvement opportunities and lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, throughput, and operational performance.
• Partner with operational teams to implement continuous improvement tools and ways of working.
• Drive problem-solving activities using structured methodologies and data-driven decision-making.
• Support the implementation of standardised processes, visual management, workflow optimisation, and value stream improvements.
• Coach and mentor operational teams on continuous improvement principles and best practices.
• Collaborate with leadership teams to translate business objectives into practical improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships across Operations, Technical Operations, Engineering, Quality, and site leadership functions.
• Monitor, track, and report programme progress, ensuring improvements deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous learning across the organisation.

What Skills You Will Need

• Degree in Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Experience within biologics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and end-to-end production processes.
• Proven experience leading operational excellence, continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or business transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, cost, or waste reduction.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience influencing and driving change across cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage audiences at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience using structured improvement methodologies.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution in a fast-paced operational environment.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Analytical Problem Solving, Continuous Improvement Principles, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Decision Making, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Manufacturing Operations, Process Improvements, Process Optimization, Production Planning, Production Scheduling, Project Management, Training and Development

Preferred Skills:

Lean Six Sigma (LSS)

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Secondary Language(s) Job Description:

We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing inclusive, talented, and committed people together. 

Please don't hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition Advisor assigned to this role should you need any support during our recruitment process. 

We are committed to flexible working where possible, and this is why our Company has introduced a new hybrid working model for office-based colleagues around the world. 

Please feel free to speak to us about what flexibility means to you during your application. 

So, if you are ready to: 

Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, please apply today. 

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

10/5/2026

*A job posting is 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.