Job Description
Do you want to use your expertise to improve production processes and contribute to the production of innovative veterinary vaccines? Come work with us in De Bilt as:
Production Specialist
Welcome to our team
Our De Bilt site is part of Animal Health and is a fast-growing pharmaceutical production site for veterinary vaccines, with a specialization in poultry vaccines. Production takes place through biological processes in Class A/B cleanrooms.
With a dedicated team of around 120 colleagues, we work to GMP standards on a growing portfolio. Due to increasing market demand and the introduction of new products, demand for our services is growing strongly.
The Production Specialist is part of the Improvement Team, which supports the operation and further strengthens the production systems within the site. The team consists of nine professionals, including three other Production Specialists, and reports to the Planning & Improvement Lead.
About the role
As a Production Specialist, you are a subject matter expert on our production processes and ensure thorough root cause analyses within the frameworks of GMP requirements and dossiers. You take initiative in process improvements and work closely with other teams to implement new production techniques.
Through your structured approach and continuous development in your field, you act as a role model and help colleagues develop further in practice.
Tasks and responsibilities include
- Act as Subject Matter Expert for product quality issues and advise the Qualified Person on the impact of changes and deviations in production processes.
- Provide hands-on support for operational problems and lead multidisciplinary investigations, including thorough root cause analyses using proven problem-solving techniques.
- Monitor and analyze system and batch data, KPIs and annual reviews, and write or assess data evaluation reports.
- Initiate and develop improvement proposals and business cases, including deliverables and planning, in close collaboration with managers, colleagues, Quality and external partners.
- Lead projects within De Bilt and contribute to (parts of) product transfers. In addition, you play a key role in the Quality Risk Management process.
- Support the site during GMP inspections and possibly act as subsystem owner within the quality system.
- Work intensively with colleagues from Support, Operational Excellence and experts inside and outside the organization to leverage and share best practices.
- Continuously develop your skills in Six Sigma, data analysis tools, project management and new techniques. With your expertise, you inspire and develop colleagues by setting a good example in improvement initiatives.
Your profile
- You have a completed HBO or WO degree (university of applied sciences or university) in (bio)process engineering and are ready to put your expertise to work in an innovative biotechnology environment.
- With at least 3-5 years of relevant experience in a biotechnical production organization, you bring in-depth knowledge of biological processes, techniques and the GMP guidelines that go with them.
- Data speaks to you: you like working with numbers, spot trends and know how to translate insights into concrete improvements. Experience with statistical analysis is a valuable plus.
- You have strong analytical skills and are a true problem solver who thinks quickly and makes well-considered decisions.
- With your project management skills, you keep oversight, work in a structured way and bring projects successfully from A to Z.
- You are a strong communicator, able to connect at all levels, and feel just as at home on the production floor as in conversations with management.
Do you not yet fully meet our job requirements but think you are the person we are looking for? We would still be glad to receive your application!
What do we offer?
Working with us means working in an innovative production environment where people, technology and quality come together. You get the space to develop yourself further and make a direct contribution to the health of animals worldwide.
In addition, we offer:
- A competitive salary appropriate to your experience.
- Annual Incentive Plan.
- 35.5 vacation days per year.
- 8% holiday allowance.
- 3% year-end bonus.
- An excellent pension scheme.
- Travel expense allowance.
- Ample training and development opportunities.
- Career growth opportunities within an international organization.
- Working with modern technology in a rapidly 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 who work together to make a positive impact on animal care and the global food supply, and we have a deep sense of responsibility to 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 approximately 150 markets.
Do you have questions about this vacancy?
Send your question, along with the vacancy number and the title of the vacancy, to this email address: [email protected]. You can only apply via the website.
Additional location(s) Compensation Information:
Required Skills:
Business Consulting Services, Change Management, Process Improvements, Process Standardization, Production System, Project Management, Quality Improvement Programs, Six Sigma, Strategic Thinking
Preferred Skills:
Manufacturing
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:
11/2/2026
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