Director New Product Commercialization (Pharma)

Job Description

A challenging leadership position with considerable independence. A diverse and pivotal role working closely with leaders of our international organization, overseeing complex, international, multi-site projects whilst supporting and coaching a team of highly experienced and motivated professionals.

For our Animal Health organization, we are currently recruiting a Director New Product Commercialization (Pharma)

Welcome in our team

Our Global Pharmaceutical Technology Support (PTS) group, with over 100 employees, oversees the science, technology, and processes for small molecule products in our animal health organization, including those manufactured internally and by external partners. The New Product Commercialization and Strategic Projects (NPC&SP) team, consisting of 14 employees across various European sites, is responsible for the Technology Transfer of new pharmaceutical products from R&D to commercial production. This team coordinates critical activities such as scale-up, validation, and process optimization to ensure successful product launches and maintain robust product integrity. Additionally, NPC&SP engages in strategic projects focused on new technologies, product optimization, and complex investigations, driving innovation within our operations.

About the role

Reporting into the Executive Director NPC&SP (based in Boxmeer), you will lead a high-performing cross-functional team focused on the successful transfer of R&D products to commercial sites, with an emphasis on sterile injectable manufacturing. Your leadership will drive efficient and effective project execution, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals in our Animal Health organization, while adhering to global quality and regulatory standards. Supported by your strong technical background, you will achieve timely and seamless transfers of R&D products to commercial production, ensuring first-time right Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) outcomes that minimize risks and enhance product reliability. Additionally, you will continuously identify and implement enhancements to procedures and products, fostering increased robustness and compliance. Your role will also involve facilitating clear communication and strong collaboration across various departments and stakeholders, ensuring alignment and support throughout the project lifecycle.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Leading, coaching, and supporting a team of 3-6 professionals in managing assigned projects.
• Providing comprehensive oversight of the project portfolio, including technical aspects, budgeting and resource planning.
• Sponsoring and conducting rigorous cross-functional technical risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Engaging in Launch Squads to ensure on-time product launches and sustained supply post-launch.
• Identifying and implementing improvements to enhance the robustness of processes and products.
• Serving as the primary interface between manufacturing sites and global support departments during project execution.
• Working closely with Research & Development, Global Supply Chain, Global Procurement, Global Quality, Global EHS, Regulatory, Site Management, Contract Manufacturing Organizations, and suppliers to ensure project success.

Your profile

• Master or PhD degree in Science (Process technology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Industrial Chemistry, Food Technology).
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in a product development, technology or manufacturing position in a pharmaceutical company, gaining in depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies used for sterile injectable products or solid dosage forms.
• Proven track record of managing and developing highly experienced professionals in a large, complex and international organization.
• Proven experience in (technical) risk assessments, problem solving and project management.
• Ability to connect, influence and convince easily within a diversity of cultures and interests, through all levels of the organization, without losing touch with company and department strategy.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Living close to Boxmeer (NL) and willing to travel abroad up to 30% of the time, predominantly in Europe.

What we offer

A highly visible role offering the opportunity to contribute to shaping our future through leadership by driving the transfer of, among others, multiple blockbuster products to our manufacturing sites. 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:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Cross-Cultural Awareness, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Digital Transformation Initiatives, Engineering Design, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Industry, Portfolio Management, Product Development, Project Management, Project Management Leadership, Solid Dosage Forms, Sterile Injectables

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

06/17/2025

*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: R350772