Associate Director, Project Engineering

Merck • Elkton, VA

3d • $142,400 - $224,100 • Onsite

About The Position

The Elkton Capital Management Lead is responsible for providing project, engineering, and operations support to the various facilities at our Elkton, VA site. Responsible for the overall management of the portfolio of capital projects to ensure effective project (cost and schedule) delivery that is aligned with the annual and long range capital plan. Will oversee all project review processes & requirements, work within a direct & indirect network of project leaders and ensure compliance with all capital spending expectations of the organization.

Collaborate closely with COE and IPT leaders to implement the organization's strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company's overall objectives and the overall our Manufacturing Division strategy.
Oversees and is accountable for the management, oversight, and successfully delivery of select programs and key initiatives.
Provide periodic update to the Plant Manager, Site Leadership Team, and others involved with the Capital Portfolio and Long Range Master Plan.
Provides input into the site master plan and drive critical projects to CRC touchpoints to ensure business strategy is met.
Supports, executes, and/or leads process, equipment, and facility projects for various manufacturing and support organizations.
Supports, executes, and/or leads continuous improvement projects that increase compliance, simplify/standardize and/or gain efficiencies.
Manages project timelines to ensure key compliance and customer due dates are met; escalates any potential delays and develop remediation plans when possible.
Partners with other sites, divisions, and organizations to evaluate and execute innovative solutions within vaccine manufacturing.
Manages large or multiple small projects with moderate resource requirements, risk and/or complexity. Develops capital plan for End to End and manages portfolio
Forecasts, plans and monitors costs and headcount requirements for moderately sized projects and/or service level agreements for country/divisional vendors
Ensure all necessary capital system and approvals are completed in timely manner to support compliant financial transactions (SAP, Ariba, etc…)
Provides direction, coaching, development and performance management of direct report employees (and external contractors as applicable) to support necessary activities of the Capital Portfolio.
Responsible for creating and sustaining a highly engaged workforce through utilization of our company's Leadership Behaviors and Inclusion. Provide coaching on professional development and career paths. Provide timely feedback and performance evaluations for direct reports after obtaining the relevant input and evaluation. Provide feedback and input on performance evaluations for indirect staff.

Requirements

• Minimum eight (8) years’ post-bachelor’s degree experience in an Operations, Technical Operations, Technology, Engineering, and/or Maintenance role.
• Project management for capital projects of varying complexity Highly developed communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Ability to manage projects/work to schedule/deadlines.
• Proficient in the following competencies: empowering leadership, flexibility, motivation, teamwork/collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and computer skills.
• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Engineering or another technical field.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in Engineering, Technology, Technical Operations or Operations.
• Project Management experience.
• Technically deep understanding of mechanical, electrical/instrumentation, and automation functionality.
• Demonstrated competency in People Management, including talent and career development.
• Experience in change control, facility/equipment support, or project management role.
• Experience utilizing various procurement and capital planning tools such as SAP, Ariba, and CAP APP.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary EPIC administrator: manage users, access controls, system updates, and user training/materials.
• Enforce data governance and naming conventions to ensure consistent, accurate, and auditable portfolio entries.
• Produce and maintain standardized reports and dashboards (weekly/monthly/quarterly), including spend actuals vs. forecast and variance analysis.
• Lead long-range capital planning (LRCP): consolidate multi-year plans, run scenario models, and coordinate with finance for capex forecasting.
• Prepare and package projects for Capital Review Committee (CRC) reviews; ensure data integrity, documentation completeness, and on-time reporting.
• Drive portfolio governance and continuous improvement: implement stage-gates, monitor compliance, and lead cross-functional process enhancements.
• Responsible for development and management of the Area operating budget as defined with the profit plan. Accountable for meeting the operating budget and continuously reducing cost. Ensure members of the Area have business acumen and understand how they may impact business finances.
• Responsible for preparation of Elkton related capital projects information to support the review at Elkton SPR, Elkton ORM & GVO Capital Review meetings.
• Drive accountability for project cost and schedule to all CRC managed projects.
• First path review of all CRC project submissions. This review ensures that the capital project aligns with business strategy prior to submitting for leadership approval. Challenge the project cost to ensure we reduce unnecessary capital expenditures.
• Elkton Capital Project Portfolio Management
• Supports, executes, and/or leads process, equipment, and facility projects for various manufacturing and support organizations.
• Supports, executes, and/or leads continuous improvement projects that increase compliance, simplify/standardize and/or gain efficiencies.
• Manages project timelines to ensure key compliance and customer due dates are met; escalates any potential delays and develop remediation plans when possible.
• Partners with other sites, divisions, and organizations to evaluate and execute innovative solutions within vaccine manufacturing.
• Project & Team Management:
• Manages large or multiple small projects with moderate resource requirements, risk and/or complexity. Develops capital plan for End to End and manages portfolio
• Forecasts, plans and monitors costs and headcount requirements for moderately sized projects and/or service level agreements for country/divisional vendors
• Ensure all necessary capital system and approvals are completed in timely manner to support compliant financial transactions (SAP, Ariba, etc…)
• Provides direction, coaching, development and performance management of direct report employees (and external contractors as applicable) to support necessary activities of the Capital Portfolio.
• Responsible for creating and sustaining a highly engaged workforce through utilization of our company's Leadership Behaviors and Inclusion. Provide coaching on professional development and career paths. Provide timely feedback and performance evaluations for direct reports after obtaining the relevant input and evaluation. Provide feedback and input on performance evaluations for indirect staff.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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