Job Description

A rare opportunity for an experienced bioprocess leader to drive technology development, strengthen product supply, and influence the next chapter of a fast-growing global animal health business.

 

For our Animal Health location Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting a Director Bioprocess Technology Solutions (Site Support)

 

Welcome to our team

Our global Bioprocess Technology Solutions (BTS) team (~230 employees) drives and executes Bioprocess technology excellence in close alignment with their partners in R&D and Manufacturing to ensure robust product introductions, product transfers and a reliable product supply to customers.  BTS has deep expertise in viral cell culture, bacterial fermentation, downstream processing, purification, freeze-drying, and vaccine formulation. Our BTS Site Support teams ensure robust product supply, efficient issue resolution, continuous process improvement, strong change management, and compliance with regulatory, GMP, and EHS standards. They play a critical role in safeguarding the performance of existing products while enabling future innovation and the successful implementation of new technologies.

 

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the EU Lead BTS based in Boxmeer, you will be responsible for leading technology support, from issue resolution to process improvements, across the vaccine portfolio in Boxmeer, De Bilt, and Cologne, as well as serving as the site lead for incoming technology transfers. The role covers highly complex technical projects across the full lifecycle, including discovery, predevelopment, development, transfer from R&D to Manufacturing, licensing, and implementation. In addition, this position manages the operational BTS manager, who is responsible for ensuring the BTS laboratories operate effectively. The role serves as a key technical and strategic interface across S&T, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Procurement, Global Supply Chain, and Network Strategy to deliver technical solutions that support our Animal Health’s organization’s business goals.

 

Main tasks and responsibilities

·       Manage the Bioprocess Technology Solutions (BTS) team (team of ~25 employees with 8 direct reports) and site activities for Boxmeer, De Bilt, and Cologne.

·       Lead the strategic direction of process improvement for the existing vaccine portfolio.

·       Provide clear direction, prioritization, and accountability for site-level and cross-site activities.

·       Align local site activities with global BTS strategy and priorities.

·       Maintain effective communication with the EU Lead BTS and key functional stakeholders.

·       Collaborate with R&D to develop new processes and refine existing ones.

·       Drive improvements in upstream, downstream, FPU processes.

·       Resolve manufacturing and supply issues impacting the vaccine portfolio.

·       Support process scale-up and ensure robustness and quality during large-scale production.

·       Advise on equipment modifications required to enable process changes and new product development.

·       Evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.

·       Sponsor and lead structured problem-solving using MPS tools.

·       Support successful product transfers, including transfer from R&D and site-to-site implementation.

·       Facilitate technology implementation according to agreed schedules, milestones, objectives, and cost targets.

·       Ensure all activities comply with corporate, regulatory, quality, and EHS requirements.

·       Manage, coach, and develop BTS personnel at site level.

·       Build capability and develop new talent for strategic roles.

·       Monitor external trends in vaccine process development and identify opportunities for innovation.

·       Support external talent scouting and academic collaboration, including PhD programs with universities such as Wageningen.

·       Provide scientific expertise and strategic input to GSC management on investments, acquisitions, and future technical direction.

·       Travel as required to support BTS teams and projects across sites.

 

Your profile

·       Master’s degree in technology / engineering.

·       Over 10 years of relevant experience gaining knowledge of viral cell culture, bacterial fermentation, downstream processing, purification, freeze-drying, and vaccine formulation and experience with leading complex technical and organizational work in a regulated environment.

• Experience managing managers and teams, developing talent, and coaching employees for growth and succession.
• Strong organizational and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to drive multiple high-complexity projects and deadlines across sites and countries while aligning different functions toward common goals.
• Ability to contribute to investment decisions, technical strategy, and long-term capability building.
• Excellent command of the English language. Dutch is preferred,
• Able to commute to Boxmeer, as this role requires on-site presence at least 4 days per week, or willing to relocate from within Europe.

What we offer

A unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the world’s largest animal health site, at an exciting stage of growth and transformation. This role offers the chance to combine scientific leadership, an innovative mindset, and strong people development skills to shape robust processes, enable successful technology transfers, and contribute to manufacturing excellence. In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package that supports your well-being, growth, and long-term success:

·       Competitive compensation aligned with your knowledge and experience.

·       3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

·       Company car or car allowance.

·       A minimum of 25 days of leave.

·       Solid Pension Plan.

·       Excellent accessibility: the train station is right by our main entrance and there is ample parking.

·       High-quality company restaurant with fresh, healthy options daily.

·       Contribution toward your personal sports/fitness membership to support your vitality.

·       Beautiful private park on the premises, ideal for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.

·       Mental well-being support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.

·       Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.

 

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards 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 widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

 

For questions about this vacancy

Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com

Applications can only be submitted via our website

 

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing Optimization, Manufacturing Processes, People Leadership, Process Improvements, Process Optimization, Production Scheduling, Regulatory Compliance, Results-Oriented, Site Operations, Sterile Manufacturing, Strategic Planning, Talent Development, Technical Evaluation, Timeline Management, Vaccine Manufacturing

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:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

11/3/2026

*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.