Production Manager

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Jaffrey, NH

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Weekend Production Manager plays a critical role in ensuring smooth execution of manufacturing operations during our emerging weekend shift. Unlike traditional production managers who oversee a single value stream, this role is responsible for implementing plans across multiple value streams as defined by the primary Production Managers. You will serve as the main point of contact for weekend operations, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity standards are met. This position requires strong leadership and collaboration skills to guide teams that may not directly report to you, resolve issues before escalation, and maintain operational continuity. As the Weekend Production Manager, you will: Execute production plans for multiple value streams during weekend shifts. Serve as the primary on-site leader for day and night shifts on weekends, plus one weekday presence (Monday or Friday). Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and act as the responsible safety leader for weekend operations. Collaborate closely with value stream owners to align priorities and communicate progress. Lead and motivate cross-functional teams, fostering engagement and accountability even without direct reporting relationships. Quickly identify and resolve operational issues, escalating only when necessary. Provide detailed reporting and debriefs on weekend performance, including safety, quality, and productivity metrics. Immerse yourself in each operation running on weekends to maintain a holistic understanding of processes. Adapt to increasing levels of responsibility as weekend operations expand.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, or related field.
Strong leadership and influencing skills in a matrix environment.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and make pragmatic decisions under pressure.
Proficiency in reporting and data analysis tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Understanding of cGMP, ISO, and other regulatory requirements.
Ability to lead teams without direct authority and foster a culture of safety and accountability.

Responsibilities

Execute production plans for multiple value streams during weekend shifts.
Serve as the primary on-site leader for day and night shifts on weekends, plus one weekday presence (Monday or Friday).
Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and act as the responsible safety leader for weekend operations.
Collaborate closely with value stream owners to align priorities and communicate progress.
Lead and motivate cross-functional teams, fostering engagement and accountability even without direct reporting relationships.
Quickly identify and resolve operational issues, escalating only when necessary.
Provide detailed reporting and debriefs on weekend performance, including safety, quality, and productivity metrics.
Immerse yourself in each operation running on weekends to maintain a holistic understanding of processes.
Adapt to increasing levels of responsibility as weekend operations expand.