Senior Operator – Start-up of a New Pharmaceutical Facility

Job Description

Shape the Future With Us

Do you enjoy helping others succeed, sharing knowledge, and improving the way work gets done? At Animal Health, we are building a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility where technology, collaboration, and continuous learning go hand in hand.

As a Senior Operator, you will play an important role in bringing new processes, systems, and ways of working to life. Together with colleagues across the organization, you will help create a safe, reliable, and high-performing production environment while supporting the development of those around you.

Ready to make an impact from day one? We'd love to hear from you.

Senior Operator

Welcome to Our Team

We are one of the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies in the Netherlands. For more than 130 years, we have been working on solutions to some of the world's most important health challenges. Across our locations in North Holland and Brabant, approximately 5,000 colleagues contribute to research, development, manufacturing, and supply of medicines and vaccines for both humans and animals.

Our Animal Health site in Boxmeer plays a vital role in the development and production of vaccines and veterinary medicines. Here, you will join a highly collaborative environment where expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement drive everything we do.

The Position

As a Senior Operator, you will play a key role in the start-up, stabilization, and continued development of our new production facility.

Success in this role comes from a combination of technical expertise, collaboration, coaching, and a willingness to learn and grow. Whether your strengths lie in manufacturing operations, training colleagues, process improvement, or supporting team performance, we encourage you to apply. We believe diverse perspectives help us build stronger teams and better solutions.

In this role, you will:

- Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of SOPs and work instructions
- Train, coach, and support Operators in developing their knowledge, skills, and confidence
- Foster an inclusive working environment where colleagues feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning from one another
- Work together with colleagues to identify improvement opportunities and solve operational challenges
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve production, quality, and safety objectives
- Support a culture where safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do
- Support the implementation and optimization of new production processes and digital manufacturing systems, including MES/EBR, OEE+, RTMS, and MDH
- Share operational expertise and contribute to building a capable, engaged, and collaborative production team

Your Profile

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative manufacturing professional who enjoys sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and driving operational excellence.

We recognize that talent and experience come in many forms. You may be a great fit if you bring some of the following:

- An mbo level 4 diploma or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
- Experience within a regulated manufacturing environment, such as pharmaceutical, food, chemical, medical device, or similar industries
- Interest in manufacturing processes, technology, and continuous improvement
- Experience coaching, training, mentoring, or supporting colleagues, or the ambition to further develop these skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- The ability to communicate effectively in Dutch and/or English
- A strong focus on safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous learning

Experience with GMP and digital manufacturing systems such as MES/EBR is considered an advantage. However, we also recognize potential and provide extensive training and development opportunities to help you succeed in the role.

Why This Role?

This is a unique opportunity to join a new manufacturing facility at an exciting stage of growth and development. You will have the chance to:

- Help build a new production environment from day one
- Play an active role in developing and supporting colleagues
- Contribute to safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing processes
- Work with modern technologies and digital manufacturing systems
- Collaborate with colleagues across multiple disciplines
- Develop your expertise in manufacturing, coaching, and continuous improvement
- Contribute to the health and well-being of animals around the world

What We Offer

We know that our employees are at the heart of our success. Therefore, we strive to create an environment where everyone can grow, develop, and make a meaningful impact.

In return for your talent and commitment, we offer:

- A competitive salary based on your knowledge, experience, and qualifications
- A 3% year-end allowance and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance
- At least 35.5 days of annual leave
- An attractive pension scheme and travel expense reimbursement
- Extensive training, coaching, and personal development opportunities
- Support to further develop your coaching, technical, digital, and leadership capabilities
- Career opportunities across different disciplines and international functions
- A modern on-site restaurant with fresh and healthy meal options
- Excellent accessibility by public transport, including a train station directly at the site entrance
- Ample on-site parking facilities
- A contribution towards your gym or sports membership
- Access to our beautiful on-site park for walking, relaxation, and outdoor breaks
- Mental well-being support through Lyra Health for you and your family members
- A dedicated prayer and meditation room
- The opportunity to grow within an organization that continues to invest in people, innovation, and the future

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicines, vaccines, and health management solutions. Through innovation and collaboration, we help veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and producers improve the health and well-being of animals worldwide.

Together, we are helping create a healthier future for animals, people, and the communities we serve.

A Note About Applying

Research shows that some people only apply when they meet every requirement, while others apply when they meet only a few. We are interested in your potential as much as your experience.

If this opportunity excites you and you believe your skills, experiences, or perspective could contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Do you have questions about this vacancy?

Please send your question along with the vacancy number and job title to this email address: [email protected]. Applications can only be submitted via the website.

Required Skills:
Cleanroom Operations, Continuous Improvement, Production Operations, Teamwork

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:
No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
n/a

Job Posting End Date:
01/7/2027
*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.