Job Description
Would you like to play a key role in the production of vaccines that contribute to animal health worldwide? At Animal Health in De Bilt, you get the chance to make an impact within an innovative and international production environment where quality, science and continuous improvement come together. Join us as:
Operational Expert
Welcome to our team
Our site produces veterinary vaccines for the global market. With over 100 colleagues, we work every day on safe, reliable and efficient production processes that follow the highest GMP and safety standards. Due to the growing demand for our products, we are investing heavily in new technologies, process improvements and the further growth of our organization.
As an Operational Expert, you will have a visible role in this development. You are an important discussion partner for the production organization and help make processes smarter, more stable and future-proof.
About the role
As an Operational Expert, you combine subject-matter expertise with continuous improvement. You are the link between daily production and structural process optimization. When deviations or complex issues arise, you are the one who investigates what is happening, brings the right stakeholders together and ensures sustainable solutions.
You work closely with operators, bioprocess technicians, Quality, Engineering and other departments. You will have plenty of room to start improvement initiatives, lead projects and help colleagues grow in their profession.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys analytical work, gets energy from improving things and wants to make a visible impact on both processes and people.
Tasks and responsibilities include
- Investigating, analyzing and resolving process deviations within the production environment.
- Leading and carrying out CAPA processes and root cause analyses.
- Analyzing production data and translating insights into concrete improvement actions.
- Initiating and guiding improvement projects focused on quality, efficiency and reliability.
- Participating in or leading validation, optimization and implementation projects.
- Drafting and improving GMP documentation, work instructions and training materials.
- Coaching, training and supporting colleagues within the production organization.
- Acting as subject-matter expert and point of contact for operational issues.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to continuously develop production processes.
Your profile
- A completed bachelor's or master's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, (Bio)chemistry or Process Technology.
- Several years of experience in a GMP environment or knowledge of pharmaceutical, biotechnological or comparable production processes.
- Affinity with quality management, process improvement and operational excellence.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen or similar improvement initiatives is a plus.
- Strong analytical skills and enjoyment of solving complex problems.
- Good communication skills in Dutch and English.
- A proactive and independent work attitude, while also collaborating well with different stakeholders.
- Curiosity, ownership and the drive to make something better every day than it was yesterday.
What do we offer?
Working with us means working in an innovative production environment where people, technology and quality come together. You will have the space to develop yourself further and make a direct contribution to animal health worldwide.
In addition, we offer:
- A competitive salary in line with your experience.
- Annual Incentive Plan.
- 35.5 vacation days per year.
- 8% holiday allowance.
- 3% year-end bonus.
- An excellent pension scheme.
- Travel expense reimbursement.
- Ample training and development opportunities.
- Growth opportunities within an international organization.
- Working with modern technology in a strongly growing production environment.
Animal Health
Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving the health, welfare and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a worldwide team of professionals working together to make a positive impact on animal care and the global food supply, and we feel 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 broadest ranges of veterinary medicines, vaccines, health management solutions and services, as well as an extensive portfolio of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and extensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are active in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in about 150 markets.
Have questions about this vacancy?
Send your question together with the vacancy number and the title of the vacancy to this email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com. You can only apply via the website.
Additional location(s) Compensation Information:
Required Skills:
CAPA Management, Cleanroom Operations, GMP Compliance, GMP Training, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Safety Compliance, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing
Preferred Skills:
GMP Documentation, GMP Environments, Vaccine Production
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:
11/30/2026
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