Operational Expert

Job Description

Do you want to play a key role in the production of vaccines that contribute to animal health worldwide? At Animal Health in De Bilt, you will get the chance to make an impact within an innovative and international production environment where quality, science, and continuous improvement come together; come work with us as:

• Investigating, analyzing, and resolving process deviations within the production environment.
• Leading and executing CAPA processes and root cause analyses.
• Analyzing production data and translating insights into concrete improvement actions.
• Initiating and guiding improvement projects focused on quality, efficiency, and reliability.
• Participating in or leading validation, optimization, and implementation projects.
• Drafting and improving GMP documentation, work instructions, and training materials.
• Coaching, training, and supporting colleagues within the production organization.
• Acting as a technical expert and point of contact for operational issues.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to continuously further develop production processes.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Job Posting End Date: 11/30/2026

As an Operational Expert, you combine technical expertise with continuous improvement. You are the connecting link between daily production and structural process optimization. When deviations or complex issues arise, you are the one who investigates what is happening, brings the right stakeholders together, and ensures sustainable solutions.

You work closely with operators, bioprocess technicians, Quality, Engineering, and other departments. In doing so, you will receive plenty of room to start improvement initiatives, lead projects, and help colleagues grow in their profession.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working analytically, gets energy from improving things, and wants to make a visible impact on both processes and people.

• A completed bachelor's or master's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, (Bio)chemistry, or Process Technology.
• A few years of experience within a GMP environment or knowledge of pharmaceutical, biotechnological, or similar production processes.
• Affinity with quality management, process improvement, and operational excellence.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar improvement initiatives is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and enjoyment in solving complex issues.
• Good communication skills in Dutch and English.
• A proactive and independent working attitude, while simultaneously collaborating well with various stakeholders.
• Curiosity, ownership, and the drive to make something better every day than it was yesterday.

Working with us means working in an innovative production environment where people, technology, and quality come together. You will be given the space to further develop yourself and make a direct contribution to animal health worldwide.

In addition, we offer:

• A competitive salary matching your experience.
• Annual Incentive Plan.
• 35.5 vacation days per year.
• 8% holiday allowance.
• 3% year-end bonus.
• An excellent pension scheme.
• Travel allowance.
• Ample training and development opportunities.
• Growth opportunities within an international organization.
• Working with modern technology in a rapidly growing production environment.

Our Animal Health division is a trusted world leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving the health, welfare, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive impact on animal care and the world's food supply, and we have a deep sense of responsibility to our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet. Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments one of the broadest ranges of veterinary medicines, vaccines, and health management solutions and services, as well as an extensive offering of digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and extensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are active in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in approximately 150 markets.

Please send your question together with the vacancy number and the title of the vacancy to this email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com. You can only apply via the website.

CAPA Management, Cleanroom Operations, GMP Compliance, GMP Training, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Safety Compliance, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing

Preferred Skills: GMP Documentation, GMP Environments, Vaccine Production

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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