Head of Operations & Business Management

At our company, we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. We are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

Join a purpose-built, agile small molecule manufacturing site where your work will help bring important medicines to patients in the U.This facility is designed to move quickly and reliably, receiving technology transfers from commercialization sites and fast-following into production with a focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence.

At our site, you’ll be part of a team committed to creating a safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant workplace where people can do their best work. We are building deep small molecule expertise in the U.and we want team members who are excited to grow their skills, help improve how we operate, and contribute to a site positioned for future growth.

The Turnaround Lead is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading highly effective turnaround activities for the Drug Substance/API operations supporting the future Small Molecule facility in Elkton, VA. The incumbent will lead a cross skilled Turnaround team in addition to operators supporting day-to-day facility operations. A key expectation of the role is to build a high-performing team culture that drives accountability, collaboration, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.

In close partnership with the Production Lead and cross-functional stakeholders, this role will establish a repeatable and standardized turnaround model that supports reliable campaign transitions, reduces downtime, and enables long-term operational excellence.

Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of turnaround activities for API/Drug Substance operations.

Ensure all turnarounds are executed safely, compliantly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to manufacturing operations.

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of mechanical, electrical, and operations personnel, as well as operators supporting daily facility operations.

Ensure turnaround scope, sequencing, staffing, materials, and work plans are defined in advance and fully prepared for execution.

Drive disciplined handoffs, strong coordination, and right-first-time performance across all phases of turnaround execution.

Monitor turnaround performance and identify opportunities to improve schedule adherence, quality, safety, and cycle time.

Apply lean principles and continuous improvement tools to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and improve operational efficiency.

Support the use of standard work, visual management, and performance metrics to strengthen turnaround execution.

Track and report key performance indicators related to turnaround duration, rework, downtime, and execution quality.

Support day-to-day facility operations while maintaining focus on turnaround readiness and improvement.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or other regulated GMP manufacturing environments.

Demonstrated ability to develop standard work, operating systems, and performance metrics.

Strong knowledge of safe and compliant execution in regulated operations.

Strong planning, prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Ability to work effectively across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, and EHS.

Data-driven mindset with the ability to monitor performance and drive improvement.

Strong continuous improvement mindset and practical understanding of lean principles.

Adaptability, Adaptability, Aseptic Manufacturing, Biopharmaceutical Industry, cGMP Compliance, Data Analysis, Employee Performance Standards, Interpersonal Relationships, Inventory Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Lean Process Improvements, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Quality Control, Operational Efficiency, Operational Excellence, Operational Turnarounds, Organizational Turnarounds, Packaging Operations, People Leadership, Performance Improvements, Process Engineering, Process Improvements, Production Operations, Production Scheduling, Productivity Improvements {+ 1 more}

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

San Francisco Residents Only
We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Relocation
Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship
Travel Requirements
Flexible Work Arrangements
Shift
Hazardous Material(s)
The salary range for this role is

$An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.