Executive Director, Operations

About the role

The Executive Director, Operations leads the Run System at MSD's largest Animal Health manufacturing site in Boxmeer, overseeing roughly 1,000 colleagues across four Integrated Production Teams and Operations Services.

Key responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end manufacturing execution performance (SQDC) and ensure safe, compliant, reliable, cost‑effective delivery.
• Lead and integrate Antigen, Live, IVP, Packaging teams and Operations Services into a cohesive execution system.
• Execute the site production plan, identify constraints, manage risks, and track performance transparently.
• Maintain full GMP compliance, inspection readiness, and embed a ‘Safety First, Quality Always’ culture.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma and productivity gains.

Required profile

• Minimum 15 years of pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturing experience, including large‑scale, shift‑based operations.
• Proven leadership of complex, multi‑technology sites with strong financial acumen.
• Ability to influence across matrix organizations and communicate effectively at all levels.

Required skills

• GMP compliance and inspection readiness
• Lean, Six Sigma, MPS methodologies
• Vaccine and biologics manufacturing expertise
• Project management and operational risk management
• Financial management and cost‑competitiveness