Job Description
Do you have at least a completed university of applied sciences (HBO) degree, get excited by the words problem solving, standardization and coaching, and want to work at the largest pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands? Then this is the challenge you are looking for!
For one of the three packaging departments in Haarlem, we are looking for a Process Optimization Specialist
Welcome to our team
From Haarlem, we distribute 2,500 different packagings of medicines and vaccines to more than 140 countries. Haarlem is known as the flexible packaging location in Europe. We can switch quickly between packaging different medicines with very diverse packaging. From jars and blister packs (so-called 'blisters') to injection syringes and powders for treatment by infusion. All provided with the correct packaging and package leaflet in the correct language. The team you will join consists of Process Optimization Specialists and an Improvement Engineer (manager). Together you work daily on continuously looking for where improvements can be made, and in doing so you align expectations with the stakeholders.
About the role
As a Process Optimization Specialist you are part of a 'Lean optimization program', which must prevent packaging lines from unplanned shutdowns. Together with fellow Process Optimization Specialists, Operators, Technicians and Operations Managers, the intended result is that the productivity, safety and quality of the packaging process is increased. You contribute to the continuous improvement of production and packaging lines using Lean methodologies. You do this mainly on the packaging lines and as little as possible behind your desk. Partly through proposing improvement opportunities yourself, you can largely shape the role yourself. In summary, you must be able to initiate, guide and sustain a change together with the team of colleagues.
Tasks and responsibilities
The focus of the Process Optimization Specialist lies mainly on:
- Problem solving: in a practical way you take the lead in solving problems. Think of observing, analyzing data, testing hypotheses, implementing countermeasures and sustaining solutions.
- Standardization and coaching: drafting work instructions and giving training to make the work on the packaging lines unambiguous, safe, simple, efficient and predictable, and thereby sustaining new behaviors and ways of working.
- Advice: advising management using tools and methodologies such as Lean, DMAIC, problem solving A3s, value stream mapping, waterfall, etc. You weigh priorities and present project proposals to the most important stakeholder during, for example, sponsor rounds, and align their expectations.
- 'Go see': you are frequently present on the packaging lines and in conversation with Operators, Technicians and Operations Managers to find out where the problems and improvements lie.
What we ask
- Completed HBO or WO (university) education, preferably in business administration or engineering; however, other fields of study are not excluded.
- Relevant work experience gained through work and/or internships.
- Affinity with technology is a plus.
- You are familiar with improvement methods and strategies such as Lean.
- You are experienced in making analyses / visualizations in Excel or other data visualization programs.
- You have good project management skills and analytical thinking ability.
- You find it a challenge to recognize improvements and turn them into concrete actions. In doing so, you have an eye for detail without losing sight of the overall picture.
- You communicate easily and fluently at all levels and have the necessary powers of persuasion.
- You are a team player, are interested in people as individuals, and can motivate others.
- Good command of the Dutch and English languages.
What we offer
Working at our organization means collaborating on health in an international work environment with dedicated colleagues. You get every opportunity to develop yourself and show who you are. Furthermore, you can count on attractive employment conditions, including:
- A competitive salary
- 35.5 vacation days
- 8% holiday allowance and 3% year-end bonus
- An excellent pension
- A high-quality company restaurant with fresh and healthy options every day.
- On-site sports facilities with classes in boxing, Zumba and Pilates.
- Excellent coffee prepared by a professional barista.
- Game room with a pool table and a ping-pong table.
- Mental wellbeing support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.
- Access to a separate prayer/meditation room.
Do you have questions about this vacancy?
Send your question, including the vacancy number and the vacancy title, to: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com.
Applications can only be submitted via our website.
Additional location(s) Compensation Information:
Required Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Business Process Design, Business Process Improvements, Business Requirements Analysis, Change Management, Communication Sciences, Continuous Improvement Techniques, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Driving Continuous Improvement, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Microsoft Excel, Operational Expertise, Operational Quality, Optimization Software, Optimization Techniques, Policy Development, Problem Solving, Process Analytics, Process Design, Process Improvement Initiatives, Process Improvements, Process Standardization {+ 8 more}
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:
Project Temps (Fixed Term)
Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
11/21/2026
*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.