Manufacturing IT / Automation Project Lead

Job Description

Did you always want to work in a company where your work can have a real impact? Do you enjoy working in an international environment with lots of room for personal development?

We have an exciting opportunity at the Boxmeer facility for a:

Manufacturing IT / Automation Project Lead

Welcome in our team

Global Animal Health Manufacturing IT Boxmeer delivers IT and automation solutions to the manufacturing sites Boxmeer and De Bilt. This encompasses a wide range of manufacturing IT/automation systems and technology, including PLCs, SCADAs, historians, MES systems and supporting IT applications, all aligned to a goal of ensuring frictionless flow of data and more efficient business operations.

Purpose of the role

You will have the opportunity to drive the consistent delivery of IT and Automation projects across the Integrated Process Teams and Centers of Excellence at the sites Boxmeer and De Bilt. Besides managing your own projects, you will be responsible for developing the project management competence and will provide oversight and guidance to the project managers in the area teams. You will work closely with the Business Technology Partners to ensure timely delivery of projects according to the agreements made with our business stakeholders. You will report to the Site Digital Manufacturing Operations Lead.

Key responsibilities

• Drive standardization in project management methodologies and procedures across manufacturing IT/automation project teams based on global standards;
• Lead the manufacturing IT/automation project planning, scheduling and execution process with clear milestones, resource plan, deliverables, dependencies and critical path;
• Provide regular status updates and reports to stakeholders by communicating project progress, issues, and risks effectively to manage stakeholder expectations;
• Coordinate with internal teams (IT, Operations, Engineering, Quality) and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of manufacturing IT/automation systems;
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams with manufacturing IT/automation systems, including PLCs, SCADAs, historians, MES systems and supporting IT applications;
• Implement automation solutions and integrate with existing systems;
• Ensure and promote collaboration with other IT divisions as well as parts of our manufacturing network, both locally and globally, to break-down organizational boundaries in favor of a highly collaborative and customer-centric culture;
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Science Engineering or equivalent experience;
• At least 2 years experience in pharma is a must;
• At least 5 years proven experience with manufacturing IT/automation systems, including PLCs, SCADAs, historians, MES systems and supporting IT applications;
• At least 5 years proven project management experience managing technical projects;
• Understanding of GxP regulated environment and validation requirements;
• Preferred certified in project management methodologies;
• Experienced in using project management tooling (e.g. MS Project);
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written in English and preferable in Dutch.

What we offer
We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits are very competitive:

• Competitive salary
• 35,5 days of leave
• Attractive collective health care insurance package with considerable reduction rates
• Solid Pension Plan
• Bonus plan subject to the company annual results
• Flexible working arrangements

Animal Health Division
Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. 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. We offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of products, services and technologies that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species.

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

Required Skills:

Automation Solutions, Automation Systems Design, Biotechnology, Change Catalyst, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Device Integration, Digital Manufacturing, IT Automation, Manufacturing Environments, Product Management Leadership, Project Delivery, Project Management, Project Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Preferred Skills:

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):

Job Posting End Date:

02/16/2026

*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: R379076