Job Description

Shape the future of QA operations at a global Animal Health site, driving quality, compliance, and uninterrupted supply at scale.

For our Animal Health location Boxmeer we are currently recruiting a Director Quality Assurance Operations

Welcome to our team

Our production facilities in Boxmeer are part of our global animal health production network and manufacture and package animal health products according to Good Manufacturing Practices standards (GMP). Our production organization consists of several Integrated Process Teams (IPTs) and Centers of Excellence (CoEs). Our Quality Assurance group (~150 employees) ensures every single material used inside our products is purchased, manufactured, processed, tested, packaged, stored and distributed aligned with our high standards of quality and meets all regulatory requirements. To guide this group through a dynamic phase of growth, innovation and expansion, we are looking for a Director Quality Assurance Operations.

About the role

Reporting into our Boxmeer Site Quality Lead, and as part of the Site Quality Management Team, you are responsible for translating global, regional, and site quality priorities into a clear operational strategy that ensures compliant, uninterrupted supply of vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Beyond day-to-day QA leadership, the role shapes the long-term direction of QA operations by strengthening batch release flow, building robust cross-site handoffs, improving decision-making through KPIs and metrics, and driving continuous improvement and digitization across site quality processes. The role acts as a key strategic interface between QA, QC, manufacturing, and global quality teams, ensuring that quality systems, standards, and governance are aligned, scalable, and future ready. It also owns the development of the QA organization, building a capable and agile team while embedding operational excellence, compliance, and performance management into the function.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality Assurance Operations team (5 direct reports, ~100 employees).
• Translate Quality organization strategy into QA Operations plans.
• Design, plan, and implement the operational QA strategy in line with global, regional, and site quality goals
• Manage QA Operations budget and required reporting.
• Shape, implement, and continuously improve strategic plans for QA Operations.
• Oversee batch release processes and end-to-end batch tracking.
• Monitor KPIs, use metrics for decision-making, and take corrective actions when needed.
• Identify business trends through metrics and adjust actions accordingly.
• Initiate, prioritize, manage, and coordinate improvement initiatives for QA Operations in collaboration with other site functions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standards, procedures, and guidelines within the Manufacturing Division, especially in review and release areas.
• Ensure QA Operations processes comply with relevant regulations and requirements.
• Solve problems, escalate issues appropriately to global teams, and keep relevant stakeholders informed.
• Determine the QA Operations project portfolio in alignment with partner IPTs.
• Lead and/or participate in site projects and provide quality oversight and support.
• Develop a strategy for smooth batch flow, including multi-site product releases.
• Build robust inter-site processes, clear communication flows, and defined handoffs between sites and functions.
• Work closely with global quality management, health authorities, and site operations management.

Your profile

• Academic degree in a relevant field (Pharmacy, Medical Biology, (Bio)Chemistry, (Bio)Process Technology, or related scientific fields) combined with at least 7-10 years of relevant experience in an international pharmaceutical company.
• Proven track record of managing and developing large organizations and leading other managers in a complex and relevant organization.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to inspire, develop, and align diverse teams across regions and functions.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder management, building trusted partnerships and influencing effectively across organizational levels.
• Solid understanding of GMP, quality systems, and relevant manufacturing regulations.
• Experience working with health authorities and managing audits and inspections.
• Excellent command of the English language, oral and written.

What we offer

You will join an organization at a pivotal moment of growth, with increasing demand for both existing and new products and a strong focus on innovation and expansion. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• Competitive compensation aligned with your knowledge and experience.
• 3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Company car or car allowance.
• A minimum of 25 days of leave.
• Solid Pension Plan.
• Excellent accessibility: the train station is right by our main entrance and there is ample parking.
• High-quality company restaurant with fresh, healthy options daily.
• Contribution toward your personal sports/fitness membership to support your vitality.
• Beautiful private park on the premises, 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/meditation room.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving 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 difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards 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 widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

For questions about this vacancy

Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: [email protected]

Applications can only be submitted via our careers site.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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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