Associate Director, IT Digital Manufacturing Operations Lead

Merck • Millsboro, DE

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

Global Animal Health Manufacturing IT is dedicated to providing and supporting technology solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and quality of manufacturing processes within the animal health sector. The department focuses on integrating Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) to optimize production, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. IT collaborates closely with various functions, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain, to implement digital solutions that align with business strategies, driving innovation and operational excellence in the animal health industry.
In this key position, you will be the heartbeat of our business partnering efforts. You will spearhead initiatives aimed at growing, transforming, and effectively running our operations. You will work closely with our local business leadership team to provide comprehensive oversight of both IT and OT. Your guidance will be essential in ensuring that our manufacturing site operates smoothly and efficiently.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Information Technology/Science, Engineering or related fields
• 5-10 years of leadership experience in Information Technology/Operational Technology, preferably in the fields of Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain, with a focus on Life Sciences
• Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and process data historian systems.
• Proven ability to collaborate with business stakeholders, translating business strategy into Information Technology/Operational Technology requirements, and driving adoption of delivered systems through effective change management and communication skills.
• Successful track record in technology enablement within Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain environments.
• Strong planning and organizational skills for managing large programs and building effective cross-functional teams focused on results.
• Experience in building and developing, high-performing teams within a matrix organization, successfully promoting a respectful and inclusive culture.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Accountability
• Account Management
• Benefits Administration
• Business Management
• Business Partnerships
• Business Process Improvements
• Business Strategies
• Citect SCADA
• IT Governance
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Leadership
• Long Term Planning
• Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Manufacturing Processes
• Production Optimization
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
• Program Management
• Situation Analysis
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• Workforce Planning

Responsibilities

• Oversee IT and OT account management, ensuring that the right support is in place for our teams to thrive.
• Take charge of capital programs, coordinating teams to successfully deliver technology assets on-time, on-budget, and in-full.
• Translate business strategies into actionable IT strategies, making sure that everyone is aligned and informed throughout the process.
• Work closely with senior business leaders to prioritize global IT and OT needs, ensuring we’re meeting demands effectively.
• Collaborate with Value Team Leads, Strategy & Execution Lead, Digital Foundational Services Lead, and Global IT Support Functions to assess and quantify the demand for various initiatives.
• Ensures the development and implementation of compliant digital solutions that align with business strategy.
• Establishes policies for effective engagement with business partners, aligning IT portfolios and roadmaps, and ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery of technology assets.
• Leads IT/OT teams at the Millsboro, DE manufacturing site to maintain stable, compliant, and secure systems while driving continuous improvement in operational metrics.
• Assists P&L owners in optimizing CapEx/OpEx spending to meet profit targets and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Benefits

• The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level