Operational Excellence | Improvement/Project Management Specialist

MSD • Millsboro, DE

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. About the position This is a dual role where you will operate as a Site Project Management Officer (PMO) and/or Improvement Specialist (IS). As an Improvement Specialist (IS), you will identify, analyze, act upon, and coach others on improvements both strategically and based on daily problems. In this position, you will lead or be involved with project teams on all facets of the value stream to improve business outcomes. You will apply lean tools / thinking and change management methodologies as you develop colleagues at all levels so that continuous improvement is in everyone's DNA. The Site Project Management Officer (PMO) drives insights, improves project management standards, ensures data integrity, and performs project work as needed. The PMO will review projects for recurring patterns, identify best practices, coach project managers, coordinate within the PMO network, and ensure data accuracy. The PMO plays a critical role in enhancing project success rates.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Three (3)+ years of demonstrable work experience with continuous improvement in the following fields: biopharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or quality. Military service, coursework, and degrees may be considered in place of experience.
• Experience in facilitating project teams or project management.
• Result-oriented and able to manage many different tasks and projects.
• Experience and insight into working with data, making trends visible, and performing data analysis.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Project)
• Team player with a "go-to-the-Gemba" attitude, analytical & eager to learn.
• Pleasant, communicative, skilled personality who can connect with production and management colleagues.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in project management, animal science, biology, engineering, or a relevant field.
• Project Management Certification
• Formal training in Lean

Responsibilities

• Initiate and implement improvement projects using Lean improvement tools (Standardization, 5S, Poke Yoke, Kaizens, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, etc.) to create flow and work smarter to improve performance, safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Hands-on support for operational problems and cross-functional investigations by conducting thorough scientific problem-solving techniques.
• Facilitate project teams and provide trainings.
• Continue to develop yourself in lean, inclusion, and change management. With this knowledge, you develop colleagues at all levels in the organization through leading by example during improvement initiatives and coaching sponsors and stakeholders.
• Driving Insights- Review projects for recurring patterns, such as consistent due date misses, projects that finish ahead of schedule, and projects that are consistently canceled partway through planned actions. Analyze and identify reasons behind these patterns to enhance project management strategies.
• Improving Project Management Standards- Capture and share best practices to improve project management standards. Enhance project templates and processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Provide coaching and guidance to project managers struggling to remain on track.
• Ensuring Data Integrity- Ensure accurate and timely data input into site projects. Monitor and follow up on projects at risk to ensure adherence to project plans.

Benefits

• 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
• Education Level: High school or GED