In the early project phases, the incumbent will lead strategic and tactical planning, cross-functional coordination, and project management activities required to support successful site build-out and operational ramp-up. As the site matures, the role will transition into full IPT leadership, accountable for safe, compliant, reliable, and efficient API operations, delivery performance, continuous improvement, stewardship, and people development. The incumbent serves as a member of the site leadership team and ensures alignment of site priorities with divisional and company strategies.
Primary Responsibilities
Site Leadership and Strategy
Serve as a member of the Site Leadership Team and help align IPT priorities with site and company strategy.
Provide direction to establish tactical and strategic plans that support API ramp-up and long-term operational success.
Partner across the site and with above-site teams to ensure strong coordination, decision-making, and execution.
Represent the IPT and the site as needed with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Future-State Operating Model and Ramp-Up
Lead the development of the future-state operating model for the API operations at Elkton, VA.
Support site start-up, ramp-up, and operational readiness activities through project leadership and cross-functional coordination.
Help define organizational structure, organizational culture, operating rhythms, governance, and capability needs for the evolving site.
Ensure readiness plans, risk assessments, and implementation plans are developed and executed effectively.
Operations Excellence and Delivery
Ensure safe, compliant, and reliable and RFT API operations in support of production and supply objectives.
Lead operational reviews and daily management routines to maintain visibility to performance, issues, and priorities.
Drive structured problem solving and the use of performance metrics to identify trends, action plans, and opportunities for improvement.
Support production planning, resource deployment, and issue resolution to meet site objectives.
Promote lean thinking and continuous improvement to improve flow, throughput, right-first-time performance, and operational stability.
Financial Stewardship
Support and/or own budget planning and financial stewardship for the IPT, including operating and capital spend.
Partner with site leadership to identify opportunities for productivity, efficiency, and cost improvement.
Ensure resources are allocated effectively to support current and future business needs.
Quality and Safety Stewardship
Promote a strong quality culture and support a state of permanent inspection readiness.
Ensure cGMP compliance and effective management of deviations, investigations, and corrective actions.
Partner with Quality, EHS, Engineering, Technical, and Supply Chain teams to support site priorities and maintain strong compliance standards.
Ensure appropriate training, documentation, and change management practices are in place to support safe and compliant operations.
Champion a strong safety culture and support risk management activities across the IPT.
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop a team of leaders and contributors to build a high-performing organization.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning.
Support talent development, succession planning, and ongoing skill-building within the IPT.
Communicate clearly and regularly to align the team around priorities, expectations, and performance.
Minimum Required Education, Experience
Bachelor’s degree required. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related scientific/technical discipline is preferred.
10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Manufacturing, Technical Operations, Quality Operations, Engineering, and/or Production Planning.
Experience leading teams with direct and indirect reports.
Strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, regulatory readiness, and safety/environmental practices.
Demonstrated experience with operational planning, project leadership, or site ramp-up/start-up activities.
Proven ability to lead in complex environments and manage multiple priorities across functions.
Strong business acumen and experience with financial stewardship and resource planning.
Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving tools.
Effective communication, coaching, and change leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
Experience in small molecule API manufacturing or commercial pharmaceutical operations.
Prior experience supporting a manufacturing site start-up, transformation, or ramp-up.
Experience developing future-state operating models, organizational structures, or operational governance systems.
Lean Six Sigma certification or deep practical application of Lean tools.
Experience in a highly matrixed global manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success in talent development, employee engagement, and succession planning.
Experience with capacity planning, capital planning, supply planning, and S&OP.
Familiarity with inspection readiness, deviation management, and broader quality systems in a regulated environment.
This is a unique opportunity to help define and lead the future of a growing API site from the ground up. You’ll have the chance to influence how the site operates, build a strong team, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality medicines for patients around the world.
If you are a strategic leader with deep operational experience, a passion for developing teams, and a strong commitment to quality and excellence, we encourage you to apply.
#ELKVACOE
Required Skills
Adaptability, Adaptability, API Manufacturing, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Business Acumen, Business Agility, Capacity Planning, Capital Planning, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Financial Budgeting, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Quality Control, Operational Excellence, Organizational Culture, People Leadership, Plant Turnaround, Process Optimization, Production Management, Production Scheduling, Project Leadership, Project Management, Regulatory Compliance, Results-Oriented, Six Sigma {+ 3 more}
Preferred Skills
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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only
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The primary location for this posting is
USA - Virginia - Elkton
Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.
The salary range for the primary location of this role is
$173,200.00 - $272,600.00
This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.
Additional location(s) Compensation Information
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
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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
Domestic/International
VISA Sponsorship
Yes
Travel Requirements
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements
Not Applicable
Shift
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License
No
Hazardous Material(s)
n/a
Job Posting End Date
- 11/16/2026
- 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.
