Job Description

Are you ready to make history?

We are on the brink of something big: the launch of a brand-new, digital, state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility. And you can be part of it from day one. This is your opportunity to make a real impact and help build an organization where innovation, quality, and collaboration go hand in hand. Together, we create an environment where your expertise truly makes a difference—not only in our processes, but in the health of millions of animals worldwide.

Improvement Officer - Start-up of a new pharmaceutical facility

Welcome to your new team

You will be working at the largest and most versatile pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands. For over 130 years, we have been developing solutions to address the greatest medical challenges. Research, development, production, and packaging - all take place here, in the Netherlands.

Together with 5,000 colleagues in North Holland and Brabant, you contribute daily to building a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for both humans and animals. Our Animal Health site in Boxmeer is globally leading in vaccines and veterinary medicines.

About your role

As a Pharmaceutical Expert, you play a key role in the start-up of our new production facility. You work closely with engineering, quality, and operations to ensure everything is ready for a successful launch.

You don’t just ensure the factory run - you make sure it excels.

What will you do?

In this versatile role, you combine subject-matter expertise with continuous improvement and development:

• You optimize processes and share your knowledge by delivering training.
• You initiate and lead technical improvements, such as updates in process automation.
• You support the implementation of new equipment and ways of working.
• You assist with product transfers and optimizations.
• You manage and maintain production data in SAP.
• You prepare change controls for modifications in processes or equipment.
• You analyze data, identify trends, and perform root cause analyses.
• You collaborate with Maintenance & Reliability on maintenance improvements.
• You are the go-to expert in process software.
• You identify deviations and translate them into concrete improvement actions.
• You lead or contribute to projects where the solution is not yet defined.
• You review and improve protocols, logbooks, and work instructions.
• Supporting the implementation of production processes and systems (such as MES/EBR, OEE+, RTMS and MDH) .

What do you bring?

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (HBO level) and 3 years of experience in a pharmaceutical, chemical, or food environment.
• Experience with Lean / Six Sigma.
• Knowledge of GMP, production processes, and preferably automation (MES/EBR).
• Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Fluency in Dutch or English.
• A team-oriented mindset and a passion for improvement, building, and delivering results.

Why you want this role

• You help build a brand-new facility from the ground up.
• You have direct, visible impact.
• You work with the latest technologies.
• You contribute to animal health worldwide.
• You join an organization with a strong reputation and future potential.

What we offer

The opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of both animals and people, within a stable environment where collaboration and collegiality come first. In addition, you can expect:

• A competitive salary based on your knowledge and experience.

• A 3% year-end allowance and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

• A minimum of 35.5 days of annual leave.

• Travel expense reimbursement and a solid pension scheme.

• A high-quality on-site restaurant offering fresh and healthy options daily.

• Excellent accessibility: the train station is located directly at our main entrance, and there is ample parking available.

• A contribution toward your personal gym or sports membership to support your well-being.

• A beautiful private park on site, ideal for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.

• Mental well-being support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.

• Access to a dedicated prayer and meditation room.

• Extensive growth and development opportunities thanks to the size of the site and the presence of multiple disciplines and global departments represented in Boxmeer.

• A workplace within an organization that continues to grow and evolve.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive impact on animal care and the world’s food supply, with a strong sense of responsibility toward our customers, consumers, animals, society, and the planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we provide veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments with one of the broadest portfolios of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions and services. This includes an extensive range of digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D capabilities and a modern global supply chain. We operate in more than 50 countries, with our products available in approximately 150 markets worldwide.

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.

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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. 

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