Sr. Spclst, Engineering

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Applications are sought for an SAP Master Data Sr. Specialist in Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D (VAX PR&D). The role supports pilot-scale GMP manufacture of bulk biologic clinical supplies (vaccines and therapeutic proteins) and will create, design, and sustain standardized business processes, master data governance, system sustainment, and lifecycle material management, while providing peer coaching and expert consultation. The position will be temporarily based in West Point, PA for approximately 18 months (up to 24 months) to support business needs. After this period, the role is intended to relocate to Rahway, NJ. Applicants should be comfortable with this planned geographic transition. In Rahway, the position will support the Next Generation Biologics (NGB) facility, which will be a premier, state-of-the-art facility, that is a key part of our Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) hub at our site headquarters in Rahway, NJ. This facility will be fully online in the next few years, both in terms of facility construction and organizational realization. The GMP facility is designed for multi-product operations with flexible operating suites, which can adjust as the clinical pipeline demands change. It can meet all historic, currently existing, and cutting-edge biologics program demands from supporting development to pilot scale, small and large scale potent material handling, and the ability to integrate new technologies and cell-line platforms. The SAP Master Data Sr. Specialist will use SAP, business process knowledge, and SOPs to maintain alignment with global business processes and site regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with Process Staff, Formulators, Engineers, IT, Quality, and other team members to understand and execute master data requirements, lead cross-functional initiatives, and drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

BS degree in Engineering, Sciences, Business, or a related field with minimum 5 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience
Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced and dynamic pilot plant environment that demands out-of-box thinking, prioritization, and rapid response to events and situations
Direct experience with working with SAP master data
Strong understanding of manufacturing principles/processes through work experience and ability to translate manufacturing requirements into an Automation/Digital Solution
Experience leading projects and influencing stakeholders across functions in a challenging and changing global environment
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team across various functions in a challenging and changing global environment
Proven track record of analytical skills, problem solving, and attention to detail
High personal integrity, credibility, and energy
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong computer skills in Excel

Nice To Haves

Experience in pharma/sterile manufacturing
Experience in working with MES systems
Prior experience mentoring or supervising other specialists, and driving cross-site initiatives

Responsibilities

Act as the Master Data subject matter expert and apply advanced knowledge to the creation, maintenance, review, analysis, and accuracy of master data
Design, implementation, sustainment, performance, and monitoring of standard business processes in all production execution and master data functions
Own and drive master data governance activities, including definition of data standards, stewardship roles, and escalation paths
Gather, analyze, and report process performance and transactional discipline metrics to ensure compliance and continuous improvement; translate metrics into action plans
Collaborate with other site and regional/global team members and participate as a member of the site CoP Team; influence regional master data strategies
Develop and maintain SOPs along with associated trainings and provide delivery of the end user trainings; lead change management activities
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex master data issues and lead root cause corrective actions
Lead and assist in process improvement projects; manage project planning, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of outcomes
Identify and implement continuous process improvement opportunities and promote best practices across the network
Coordinate and share best practices with our Company sites in the network
Act as a resource for technical expertise—offering consultation, coaching, and practical support to team members at all levels.
Assist in external agency inspections, as needed
Support safety, compliance, and GMP initiatives