Associate Director, Engineering Central Utilities (Hybrid - West Point, PA)

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our Company is a global biopharmaceutical leader with a portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology, vaccines, and animal health products. We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives. With employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state of the art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to Inspire our employees as we learn, develop, and grow in our careers. We are proud of our 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world’s biggest investors in Research & Development. The vision for the Global Workplace and Enterprise Services organization is to improve patient’s lives by providing world-class facility services & solutions that enable innovative research, medicines, & vaccines. We deliver critical building and site services, including facility management, emergency response, utilities (including electricity, steam, chilled water, and potable water), and real estate strategy that provides a positive workplace experience to enable employees to perform their best work. The future of work and needs of the workplace are constantly changing so we are also seeking to re-imagine and continuously improve our operations and supporting business processes for our valued colleagues across our enterprise. We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Associate Director, Engineering Central Utilities to lead the strategy, performance, and continuous improvement of site-wide utility systems. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of critical utilities that support manufacturing and research operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related discipline)
Minimum of 6 years of technical management experience related to industrial/utility plant operations, engineering and/or maintenance including steam/electricity/chilled water generation and distribution.
Proven leadership and management experience, particularly in supervising and developing engineering teams.
Strong knowledge of utility system design, operation, and reliability in a regulated environment.
Experience in capital planning, project execution, and financial/budget management.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating effectively with various stakeholders and conveying technical information clearly.
Ability to quickly address issues and develop solutions to minimize compliance risk and improve utility reliability
Working knowledge of applicable regulatory and safety standards (e.g., OSHA and related industrial standards).

Nice To Haves

Master's degree and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.
Experience managing large-scale central utilities systems in pharmaceutical, biotech, or highly regulated industries.
Knowledge of energy management, sustainability initiatives, and optimization strategies. Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (e.g., Maximo) and process monitoring tools.
Experience working with unionized workforces and collective bargaining environments.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction and overall performance of Central Utilities systems which include, chilled water, cooling tower systems, plant air, and related infrastructure, ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable operations.
Serve as the site’s subject matter expert for central utility systems, advising operations, maintenance, and capital project teams on system design, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Manage and mentor the central utilities group, providing guidance on operational practices, technical expertise, and team development.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project management, real estate, facility management, and master planning to ensure seamless integration of central utility systems with organizational goals and initiatives.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices for operations and maintenance, ensuring compliance with EPA refrigerant standards and other relevant regulations.
Oversee budget planning and resource allocation for central utilities related projects, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget constraints.
Drive initiatives for energy efficiency and sustainability within utility operations to align with the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Accountable for refrigerant air emissions compliance.
Serve as the primary point of contact for external audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance related to central utility systems.