Job Description

About the Role

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Technical Lead to join our Small Molecule API Chemical Technical Operations Unit. In this role, you will support drug substance tech transfer and commercial manufacture within our External Manufacturing Network. You will work with key strategic external partners, grow technical experience in API manufacturing, and contribute to high visibility network initiatives.

You will be responsible for managing the technical interface between our company and External Partners, providing process support to resolve production issues, evaluating and managing process change requests, assessing and managing process/technical risks, and guiding process improvement and capacity optimization.

Additionally, you will oversee External Partners during New Product Introductions and Technical Transfers, identifying risks during pre-execution, providing on-site support during execution, and supporting post-execution activities. This position reports to the Director, Chemical Technical Operations, External Manufacturing API Technology.

What you will do:  

Work with external partners to achieve business goals and establish a common culture benefiting our company, external partners, and patients.Lead and act as the primary interface on technical issues between Chemical Technical Operations and external partner API manufacturers.Manage technical transfer activities through review of GMP documentation (e.g., Master Batch Records, change control, protocols, reports, qualifications).Oversee technical activities for commercial manufacturing processes at external partners, including authorship of change control, management of process improvement projects, statistical analysis of process performance, and investigation of atypical events.Develop solutions to complex technical issues requiring ingenuity, creativity, and innovation, applying principles and standards governing sterile product manufacturing.Provide on-site coverage at external partners to support commercial and/or tech transfer personnel during plant activities.Translate GMP requirements and current regulations into standardized work by partnering with operations, quality, and external partners.Ensure external partners are inspection ready for routine inspections and inspections related to new product introductions or transfers, collaborating with operations, quality, and regulatory teams.Participate in creating, sharing, and adopting best practices and business process strategies.

What You Bring:

In order to excel in this role, you will more than likely have:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science or other related science or engineering fieldExperience in API chemical manufacturing in an API manufacturing facilityKnowledge of GMPs in API manufacturingMinimum of 7 years post-bachelor's degree experience in a GMP functional area or support of a GMP functional area, such as Operations or Technical OperationsExperience in Quality Risk Assessments, deviation management and change controlStrong analytical problem-solving skills, root cause analysis, and risk assessment/mitigationExperience in Tech TransfersAbility to work independently as well as excellent organizational skillsStrong professional and interpersonal communication skillsAccomplishment oriented (self-motivated and persistent), possess a "business owner" mentality, possess the ability to influence without authority, and demonstrate the ability to effectively operate in an ambiguous/changing environmentMust be able to multi-task and work within tight deadlinesProven collaboration and team building skillsWorking Across Boundaries – Must possess excellent interpersonal, communication, collaboration, negotiation skills to work outside boundaries as a normExcellent command of English. Spanish at a conversational levelTravel will be a requirement of this position (Person in Plant support during Technical Transfers at External Partners)Project management experienceKnowledge of worldwide regulatory requirements, experience supporting regulatory inspections

Why Join Us?

As a company, we are committed to ‘Inventing for Life’ in all that we do. We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world’s most challenging healthcare needs. 

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment.

So, if you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role where you can make a significant impact in API manufacturing and collaborate with leading external partners please apply today.

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:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing, Business, Business Processes, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Communication, Contract Management, Contract Manufacturing, Driving Continuous Improvement, External Manufacturing, GMP Compliance, Interpersonal Communication, Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement, Management Process, Manufacturing Operations, Motivation Management, Process Improvement Projects, Process Improvements, Process Optimization, Production Scheduling, Project Management, Quality Risk Assessment, Regulatory Inspections, Resource Staffing {+ 5 more}

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

07/21/2025

*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:R355621