Director, Manufacturing Platforms

Job Description

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. At the forefront of research, we deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Join our team and help us use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Digital Shop Floor product line and Manufacturing Systems Centers of Excellence to deliver robust, compliant, and effective Manufacturing IT solutions.

• Own and continuously refine product and technology roadmaps aligned with manufacturing digital strategies and enterprise standards.

• Direct the deployment and scale-up of Digital Shop Floor solutions globally; ensure standardized, efficient, and compliant implementations.

• Drive adoption and ongoing evolution of existing solutions, ensuring they are fully operationalized and deliver measurable business value.

• Identify new use cases and applications for existing technologies (e.g., MES, LIMS, historians, analytics) and lead proof-of-concepts and pilots to validate them.

• Scan for and evaluate emerging digital, automation, and analytics technologies; pioneer selected innovations and scale successful pilots.

• Collaborate closely with manufacturing operations, capital automation, quality, engineering, and IT Business Technology Partners to understand needs and enhance the digital posture.

• Define and promote standard, compliant implementation patterns for shop floor and lab solutions, supporting capital projects and site expansions.

• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of product owners/managers and technical professionals (including contractors/partners) across multiple sites or hubs.

Qualifications

Required

• Engineering or Information Technology degree (or equivalent).

• 5+ years’ experience implementing and operating digital shop floor systems (DCS/SCADA/PLC, OSI PI, MES, LIMS) in the biopharmaceutical industry.

• 5+ years’ direct leadership experience managing technical professionals, with proven mentorship and team-building skills.

• Strong technical background in process control, computer networking, and manufacturing process control applications.

• Deep understanding of SDLC and computerized system validation in regulated environments.

• Experience building technology roadmaps and working with solution architects and cyber security to deploy secure, scalable solutions.

• In-depth knowledge of major MES, LIMS, and data historian platforms used in biopharma.

• Proven ability to influence and collaborate in a matrixed, global organization and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Strong financial acumen, including management of capital and operating budgets.

• Continuous improvement and growth mindset; strong leadership, integrity, and energy.

• Travel: Up to ~25% global travel required.

Preferred

• None specified.

Required Skills:

Applied Engineering, Automation Solutions, Benefits Management, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutics, Business Analysis, Business Process Improvements, Business Technology, Computer Communications, Digital Manufacturing, Financial Management, Governance Management, Process Control, Program Management, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, System Validation, Technical Management, Workforce Planning

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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

06/20/2026

*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.

Requisition ID:R396772