Associate Director Technical Operations (Blister)

• You have proven experience in mobilizing people, leading change, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience representing the business in large technical projects with substantial budgets.
• Experience in a quality-critical environment where safety is paramount (e.g., pharma, food/FMCG, chemicals, hospitals, or similar).
• Demonstrable experience in successfully leading continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) and reducing defects.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to switch effectively between different disciplines and levels.
• A completed bachelor's or master's degree in a technical, scientific, or business direction (e.g., Engineering, Life Sciences, Supply Chain) or equivalent experience.

• A competitive salary, depending on knowledge and experience.
• 3% year-end bonus and an annual bonus based on individual and company results.
• At least 35.5 vacation days.
• Travel allowance and a solid pension scheme.
• A high-quality company restaurant with fresh and healthy meals daily.
• On-site sports facilities, including classes such as boxing, Zumba, and Pilates.
• Excellent coffee, prepared by a professional barista.
• Large game room with darts, foosball, pool table, and table tennis.
• Mental wellbeing support via Lyra Health, for you and your family members.
• Access to a separate prayer and meditation room.

Job Description

Do you want to apply your strategic leadership to accelerate technical innovation and help shape the future of our production site in Haarlem? In the role of Associate Director Technical Operations, you will be given the space to lead impactful projects, connect people, and realize sustainable change - with the ultimate goal of contributing to the delivery of life-saving medicines to patients worldwide.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the future of our production site at a tactical and strategic level. As Associate Director Technical Operations, you will provide direction to asset lifecycle management, maintenance strategies, and improvement programs. You will work together with an expert and diverse technical team, support their development, and take a leading role in large investment projects, such as new packaging lines. You will also serve as the permanent deputy to the Director and help ensure that our operation remains safe, compliant, and future-ready.

• Developing and executing the long-term vision and maintenance strategies to reduce defects and optimize the lifecycle of our assets.
• Coaching, guiding, and empowering a diverse team of direct reports.
• Acting as the primary business representative for large technical projects and substantial investments (such as new packaging lines).
• Thinking critically about technical designs and solutions to manage risks and protect organizational interests.
• Responsible for long-term investment planning (CAPEX) and managing operational budgets (OPEX).
• Initiating and driving site-wide improvement programs and stimulating a culture of operational excellence.
• Building strong, influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders, project organizations, and cross-functional teams.
• Supporting the strategic course of the Integrated Process Team (IPT) as the permanent deputy to the IPT Lead.

Business Alignment, Business Process Improvements, Change Management, Collaborative Leadership, Detail-Oriented, Driving Continuous Improvement, Equipment Set Up, Leadership Theories, Life Cycle Planning, Machinery Operation, Manufacturing Quality Control, Operational Efficiency, Operational Excellence, People Management, People Performance Management, Process Improvements, Process Optimization, Production Management, Production Scheduling, Raw Material Specifications, Resource Planning, Results-Oriented, Stakeholder Management

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.

Regular

Not Applicable

10/31/2026