Skip to main content
CareerApp
Merck

Director, Operations - API

Merck

Elkton, VA · full time · Director

$173,200 – $272,600

Listed on Merck’s own careers site. You apply with them directly — we never stand between you and the employer.

What this role is

Lead the operational and technical strategy for a new small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing facility's API production, overseeing site ramp-up, team development, and the establishment of operating systems from the ground up. This role suits experienced manufacturing leaders with deep expertise in regulated environments who are energized by building high-performing organizations and driving operational excellence during critical growth phases.

Our summary, not Merck’s wording. The full posting is on their site.

What they ask for

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related scientific/technical discipline
  • 10+ years in pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environments
  • Leadership experience in manufacturing, technical operations, quality operations, engineering, or production planning
  • Direct and indirect team leadership experience
  • Strong knowledge of cGMP and quality systems
  • Experience with operational planning or site ramp-up activities
  • Ability to manage complex environments and multiple priorities
  • Financial stewardship and resource planning experience
  • Lean Six Sigma or structured problem-solving capability
  • Effective communication and change leadership skills

Nice to have

  • Master's degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or related field
  • Small molecule API manufacturing experience
  • Prior manufacturing site start-up or transformation experience
  • Experience developing operating models and governance systems
  • Lean Six Sigma certification
  • Matrixed global manufacturing environment experience
  • Proven talent development and succession planning track record
  • Capacity, capital, and supply planning experience
  • Inspection readiness and deviation management expertise

Turn on analytics and we load Google Analytics: Google gets the pages you open and what you do here — searches, jobs you view, jobs you apply to — and sets its own cookies. Leave it off and the only cookies we set are your login, your theme, and this answer. Accept All also records a yes to advertising, which nothing uses yet. Privacy Policy.