Digital Steward

MSD • Wilson, NC

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Site Digital Steward – Production Execution Focus is responsible for leading site-wide digital transformation efforts while serving as the primary steward for Production Execution (PE) processes. The role centers on PE stewardship, with expanded responsibilities across digital packaging tools, digital project participation, site-wide digital governance, and close collaboration with production line digital processes and management. This position is key to advancing operational excellence within site strategy, digital innovation, sustainment and compliance at the Wilson site. Serve as a subject matter expert for all production-related functionality in SAP & MES.

Requirements

• BS or BA Degree required, plus 5+ years in SAP production environment. Additional MES experience preferred.
• Well-developed knowledge of SAP ECC functionality, including batch records, SAP materials management, BOM and master recipe development, and SAP master data.
• Well-developed knowledge of interrelationships between SAP functionality and MES master batch records.
• Experience in SAP to MES interfaces and management of activities parameters and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to understand SAP batch sheets to MES MBR conversions and change management associated with local MBR changes.
• Demonstrated skills in technical writing and project management and proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word required.
• Detail-oriented with good communication, customer service, negotiation, and teamwork skills required.
• Experience in change management activities supported by analytical problem solving.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills include technical writing, communication, customer service, and teamwork skills.
• Excellent facilitation, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated experience with digital tools, production analytics, and digital packaging solutions.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, digital initiatives, and manage complex projects.
• Familiarity with GMP requirements, environmental safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Accountability
• Change Management
• Data Integrity
• Digital Manufacturing
• Digital Project Management
• Digital Rights Management (DRM)
• Digital Strategy
• Digital Transformation
• Hospitality Management
• Operational Excellence
• Production Execution
• Safety Procedures
• SAP Authorizations
• SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC)
• Technical Writing

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of production operations.
• Previous experience in training audiences to use computer systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of policies & procedures, environmental, safety standards and guidelines, GMP's, governmental regulations (e.g. OSHA), industry and engineering standards preferred.
• MES experience in PAS-X standard.
• Hands-on experience implementing digital transformation projects.
• Working knowledge of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE+), PI Historian, data reporting.
• Working knowledge of digital governance frameworks, data integrity standards, and cybersecurity in a production context.
• Experience training diverse audiences in the use of digital systems and tools.

Responsibilities

• Production Execution Stewardship: Including but not limited to creation, maintenance, optimization, and retirement of: SAP Batch Sheets (e.g., transaction-based electronic batch documentation records). Master Batch Records (MBRs) Electronic Batch Records in Manufacturing Execution System (MES). SAP – MES parameterization activities. Paper batch records, forms, & paperwork related to batch records. Production master data, including scrap rates, run rates, BOMs (bills of materials), master recipes, and resources. Shop floor paperwork and related transactions with continuous improvement to eliminate paper. SOPs, standard work, and job aids associated with PE processes. SAP PP-PI ECC transactions and future upgraded similar environments. Reports for production master and transactional data and associated process performance KPIs. Interfaces and parameters from SAP to MES.
• Work with site ISO master data stewards to optimize site material master data: to use in BOM development where complex approaches are needed. In support of master data requests for non-printed and test material creations; mass data changes for equipment dependent expiry format changes. For renewal of SAP production master data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Serve as site 2nd-tier subject matter expert for production-related SAP functionality, including: TOCS (temperature controlled – time out of controlled storage tracking) module for time out of refrigeration tracking and corresponding transaction support. Material movement transaction support. Other ECC transaction support. Other MES MBR related process support and improvements.
• Identify, lead, and execute SAP/MES functional enhancement initiatives and projects in the Production Execution area as well as cross-functional initiatives. Portfolio management including prioritization of enhancement to SAP/MES and ongoing support for business justifications for submitted enhancements. Coordination of Hoshin activities and priorities related to PE stewardship for the site. Coaching and developing subject matter expertise in functionality and the associated production processes.
• Serve as the Wilson site representative in above-site and external SAP & MES forums (e.g. Communities of Practice, COMET, SAP user groups, MES COE, Digital Manufacturing, etc.). Provide Production Execution training and knowledge transfer to Wilson site as needed. Collaborate with functional leaders and subject matter experts to prioritize and implement continuous improvement initiatives for PE processes.
• Serve as site expert for production-related SAP/ERP & MES functionality, including creation, maintenance, optimization, and retirement of batch records, master data, SOPs, and related documentation. Act as the approver for SAP access within COMET ECC. Determine which SAP roles and COMET training are necessary for operations staff to obtain authorization for SAP transactions when required.
• Ensure that the company standard MES system is properly designed, developed, implemented, and supported to meet compliance, maximize business benefits, and align with site processes and technical standards. Digital Steward will have regular direct interaction with site MES Specialists. Lead current ERP and MES functional enhancement projects, ensuring integration and optimization for production efficiency. Coach and develop site expertise in production execution systems and processes, providing training and knowledge transfer as needed.
• Ensure ongoing quality compliance and adherence to site-wide standards for Process Execution, with a focus on maintaining alignment with critical ERP systems such as SAP and line batch MES applications. This includes monitoring process documentation, verifying system upgrades/updates, and working with quality teams to ensure all production activities meet regulatory and internal requirements. Resolve production digital issues dealing with batch records/sheets or MES execution concerns, unexpected outages, shopfloor paperwork printing errors, tolling complications, failed process notifications, and issues related to master data, BOM, or parameters.
• Additionally, this role is instrumental in driving site strategies and cohesiveness across the site by promoting a unified approach to process execution & digital solutions, ensuring that best practices and standardized methodologies are consistently applied throughout all production and support functions. Champion digital initiatives across the site, including the deployment and management of digital packaging tools and data-driven production analytics. Influence and support digital roadmaps and program projects, driving digital innovation and process improvement in alignment with our company's strategic objectives. Collaborate with production line management to identify, design, and implement digital solutions that enhance productivity, traceability, and compliance. Drive the development and oversight of digital governance frameworks, ensuring robust data integrity, cybersecurity, and regulatory alignment. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to harmonize digital strategies, facilitate change management, and foster a culture of digital excellence. Work with stakeholders to align digital and production initiatives with business and compliance requirements. Present updates to site leadership at planned meetings. Drive digital best practices and contribute to site-wide forums, Communities of Practice, Digital Manufacturing Organizations (DMO) and digital manufacturing networks.

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