Senior Specialist, Learning & Development

Merck • De Soto, KS

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Learning & Development Senior Specialist will design and ensure delivery of a fully integrated training ecosystem to support startup and operation of a new aseptic manufacturing facility, including lyophilization, sterile filling, and enabling functions such as engineering and maintenance. The role also serves as a liaison to external education and training providers, ensuring local programs align with the site’s technical and GMP capability needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Education, or related field
• Five (5)+ years of relevant Learning & Development experience
• Experience in GMP-regulated environments
• Experience developing technical training programs
• Strong stakeholder engagement (internal and external)
• L&D Program design with scalability and sustainability
• Adult Learning Principles
• Applied Engineering
• Blended Learning Solutions
• Change Management
• Critical Thinking
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Decision Making
• Digital Learning
• e-Learning Standards
• Facilitate Training Sessions
• GMP Compliance
• GMP Inspection
• Instructional Design
• Learning Needs Analysis
• Online Video Creation
• Oral Communications
• Stakeholder Buy-In
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Technical Training
• Technical Writing
• Technology Transfer
• Training Delivery
• Training Evaluations
• Training Needs Assessment

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with academic or workforce development partners
• Greenfield/startup facility experience
• Ability to translate complex systems into effective learning
• Adult Learning: Theory and Practice: Experience in applying concepts and practices of adult learning to meet the dynamic needs of the business
• Learning Needs Analysis: Proven experience in assessing competency gaps and identifying what people need to learn for successful individual and organizational performance

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a facility L&D strategy aligned to startup, commissioning, and operational ramp-up.
• Build structured learning pathways translating complex systems into practical training for operators and technical staff: Manufacturing (aseptic processing, lyophilisation, visual inspection), Engineering (process, automation, CQV), Maintenance (asset care, calibration, GMP interventions), Quality and enabling functions.
• Align training with asset lifecycle phases (design → CQV → operations).
• Co-develop curricula with OEM, subject matter experts and academic partners aligned to facility start up and commercial manufacturing.
• Leverage OEMs and vendors for specialized technical training content.
• Establish and manage partnerships with local colleges, universities, and technical institutes to strengthen employer brand and attract talent.
• Embed training into FAT/SAT, commissioning, and PPQ phases.
• Capture knowledge from OEM vendors, Commissioning and qualification activities, Tech transfer SMEs.
• Strengthen a culture where technical competence underpins compliance and performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

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: Senior