Manager, Manufacturing Automation

Merck • Wilmington, DE

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manufacturing Automation Manager of Lab Digital Support Operations is responsible for leading a team of FTEs and contractors, delivering high-quality IT support for lab operations at our company. This role oversees team development, performance management, and strategic goal setting, ensuring alignment with both site and corporate objectives. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, diversity, and inclusion within the Lab IT team. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the digital transformation of lab operations at our company, driving innovation and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in digital systems within a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership/team lead role.
• Experience supporting digital laboratory systems and applications in a GMP regulated environment (R&D, QC, Analytical, or Development labs).
• Hands‑on experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Chromatography Data Systems (CDS), and laboratory instrument integration platforms (e.g., Empower, LabWare, LabX, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of digital technologies, systems, and best practices.
• Deep practical knowledge of COTS laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (HPLC, UV, FTIRs, spectrophotometers, titrators, balances, etc.) and their vendor software/applications
• Familiar with integrating lab instruments and applications with enterprise systems (e.g., LIMS, ELN, data historians, SDC, Scitara, Biovia , MES or reporting platforms).
• In‑depth understanding of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for regulated systems, including requirements, design/configuration, testing, validation, release/change control, and maintenance.
• Working knowledge of IT/OT standards, cybersecurity, and infrastructure considerations for lab environments (PC‑based and non‑PC instruments).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Demonstrated project management and delivery skills for digital lab initiatives (system implementations, upgrades, instrument integrations, migrations)
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis. Including cost‑effective sourcing, standardized onboarding, and spend‑tracking of Fixed‑Term Contractors (FTCs) for the site.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of FTEs and contractors, fostering a culture prioritizing diversity, inclusion, safety, quality, and compliance.
• Build strong collaborative relationships between Lab IT and other departments including QC and Manufacturing.
• Provide clear direction, establish high standards, and assess team performance to deliver top-tier Lab IT support.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Establish goals and KPIs for the Lab IT team, ensuring alignment with QC, manufacturing, site and corporate objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the Lab IT landscape to achieve year-on-year productivity gains.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with off-site Value Teams (VTs) to prioritize and deploy initiatives that improve digital maturity in lab operations.
• Monitor key metrics and ensure timely closure of safety, quality, and compliance actions, including QNs, CAPAs, and Change Controls.
• Ensure audit readiness for lab IT systems, particularly in areas related to quality metrics.
• Develop and manage budgets, maintaining operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the business to ensure all lab equipment purchases align with IT standards and integrate seamlessly with our company infrastructure.
• Maintain Lab IT systems’ reliability, enhancing efficiency through technology.
• Oversee Lab system validation and ensure all changes, including security patches, are properly assessed for software compatibility.
• Stay current with Lab IT trends and technologies, recommending new solutions and improvements.
• Coordinate with regional and global teams to standardize processes and procedures across lab IT systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues promptly.
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring their services meet quality and contractual obligations.
• Lead stakeholder engagement to manage IT change initiatives effectively and communicate priorities clearly.
• Strategically influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership to advance Lab IT goals.

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: Manager