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.

Senior Operator – Start-up of a New Pharmaceutical Facility

Welcome to our team

We are the largest and most versatile pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands. For 130 years, we have been working on solutions to the world’s biggest medical challenges. From development and research to production and packaging—everything happens right here in the Netherlands.

Together with 5,000 colleagues across North Holland and Brabant, we are building a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for both people and animals. Our Animal Health site in Boxmeer is globally recognized as a leader in vaccines and veterinary medicines—and you could be part of it.

What will you do?

As a Senior Operator, you will play a key role in the start-up of our new production facility. You’ll be right at the heart of the action, working closely with engineering, quality, and operations. Your mission? To ensure that everything not only runs—but excels.

Your responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the development of SOPs and work instructions.
• Training and coaching operators.
• Identifying and resolving bottlenecks during the start-up phase.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to meet timelines and quality standards.
• Driving a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Supporting the implementation of production processes and systems (such as MES/EBR, OEE+, RTMS and MDH)

Who are you?

You are an energetic hands-on professional with a sharp focus on quality and process improvement. You enjoy building something new and thrive in a dynamic environment.

In addition, you bring:

• A minimum mbo-4 degree and around 3 years of experience in a pharmaceutical, chemical, or food production environment.
• Knowledge of GMP, production processes, and automation (experience with MES/EBR is a plus).
• Strong communication skills and a problem-solving mindset.
• English or Dutch speaking.
• A proactive, results-driven attitude and strong team spirit.

Ready to build something you can truly be proud of?

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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