Director Operations (Animal Research Department)

Job Description

For our Animal Health location Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting a Director Operations (Animal Research Department)

Welcome to our team

Our Animal Research Department (ARD) in Boxmeer is dedicated to executing animal studies that support our Research & Development (R&D) and Quality Control (QC) initiatives, while strictly adhering to the 3R principles: Replace, Reduce, and Refine. With a team of > 60 skilled employees, the ARD conducts experiments aimed at developing innovative vaccines and biotherapeutics, as well as facilitating the compliant release of licensed vaccines in line with regulatory guidelines. Additionally, the department conducts pathology studies across various species. Our ARD is structured into four operational teams focused on experimental research, a Veterinary Team responsible for ensuring the highest standards of animal care.  Supporting these efforts is a team of specialists who enhance our initiatives in Safety, Quality, and Project Management. Together, these teams play a vital role in advancing research initiatives that enhance scientific knowledge and drive innovation, all while upholding the highest ethical standards in animal research.

Tasks and responsibilities

Reporting into the Global Head of R&D Operations based in Boxmeer, your primary focus will be on further stabilizing the existing operations to ensure a solid foundation for future growth. This initial phase will involve the ongoing evaluation and enhancement of workflows and systems, enabling you to identify areas that require immediate attention. Your efforts will be directed towards structuring and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. As you progress, you will also prioritize fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among team members and stakeholders. In this role, you will collaborate closely with leaders primarily in Quality Control and Research & Development, playing a crucial part in our efforts to evolve into a high-performing organization.

Your profile

• Degree in a relevant science or business subject (Veterinary- or Life Science, Biology, Business Administration).
• Strong and broad experience in operational management within a highly regulated setting, with a strong focus on adhering to compliance standards and regulatory requirements .
• A genuine affinity for animals and a strong commitment to their welfare, demonstrating compassion and respect in all aspects of animal care and research.
• Proven track record of inspirational and transformational leadership, building and developing high-performing operational teams.
• Skilled in navigating and influencing within a complex, cross functional matrix organization.
• Extensive experience with continuous improvement methods (Six Sigma and/or Lean), change management models and project management methods.
• Excellent command of the Dutch and English language.
• Living close to Boxmeer as this role requires on site presence five days a week.

What we offer

We are offering an opportunity to enhance internal customer satisfaction and elevate the quality of our ARD outputs. Your leadership will ensure that the department not only meets but consistently exceeds expectations, driving excellence in all aspects of our operations. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect:

• Competitive salary and a 3% year-end bonus.
• 25 days of leave.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Solid Pension Plan.
• Bonus Plan subject to the company annual results.
• Long Term Incentive Plan.
• Flexible working arrangements.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

For questions about this vacancy

Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

07/2/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R338879