Associate Director, Manufacturing Automation

MSD • Wilmington, DE

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Wilmington Biotech is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Director of Digital Manufacturing Operations to join our dynamic team. This essential position drives operational excellence by overseeing a team of automation engineers who are committed to maintaining uninterrupted performance across our manufacturing and utility systems. The Associate Director will play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvements, supporting & managing site led capital projects, and ensuring compliance and audit readiness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, chemical, or control systems engineering
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in digital systems within a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership/team lead role.
• Proven track record of managing complex automation projects and leading teams in a 24/7 operational setting.
• Strong knowledge of digital technologies, systems, and best practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis.
• Accountability
• Audit Management
• Business Process Improvements
• Capital Projects
• Collaborative Communications
• Data Management
• Digital Manufacturing
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Leadership
• Manufacturing
• Operational Efficiency
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Management
• Project Management
• Quality Management
• Real-Time Programming
• Regulatory Requirements
• Resource Allocation
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Stakeholder Communications
• Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

Nice To Haves

• Experience with process & equipment control applications such as Emerson DeltaV, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Aveva Intouch & PI, etc.
• Familiarity with the manufacturing execution systems such as Korber PAS-X, etc.
• In-depth understanding of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and applications' system development
• In-depth understanding of project management aspects based on the PMI principles.
• Exposure to applications & platforms to support Operations Orchestration (OEE) and Process Optimization (MPI) products.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of automation engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Develop staff capabilities and build depth within the team to ensure effective 24/7 support. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Operational Support: Oversee on-site automation support for manufacturing operations including all utility systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues promptly.
• Continuous Improvement & Project Management: Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency. Manage capital projects related to automation, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
• Compliance & Audit Readiness: Ensure all automation systems and processes comply with regulatory requirements and internal standards. Prepare for and support audits, ensuring documentation and processes are audit ready.
• Life Cycle Management: Oversee the life cycle management of automation systems, including upgrades, maintenance, and decommissioning. Develop and implement strategies for the sustainable management of automation assets.
• Budget Control: Ability to oversee the budget for the digital team, including both operational (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX), to ensure optimal resource allocation and effective cost management. Serve as the cost champion for the site’s Digital Manufacturing Operations (DMO), delivering regular budget updates and forecasts to the Director of Digital Manufacturing Operations and the above-site Finance team.
• Collaboration & Communication: Liaise with above-site Manufacturing Value Teams (MVTs) and counterparts at other company sites to share best practices and drive alignment. Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure transparency and collaboration.

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: Director