Digital Manufacturing Operations Site Lead

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany - West Point, PA

Full-time - Senior

Onsite - West Point, PA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The leader of the Digital Manufacturing Operations (DMO) team at West Point will serve as the primary Business Technology Partner (BTP) for the Manufacturing site, responsible for developing and executing the Digital/IT Strategy. This role is critical for driving the successful implementation of technology investments and ensuring stable IT and Automation Operations across all sites. The leader will work closely with the West Point Site Leadership Team and the DMO Senior Leadership Team to deliver sustainable value through seamless digital capabilities, focusing on the commercialization and supply of key vaccine products.

Responsibilities

• Manage a group of 80+ technology professionals, promoting career development and continuous upskilling.
• Translate business priorities into a purposeful digital strategy in partnership with the West Point SLT.
• Develop and implement a digital strategy that transforms the Manufacturing Op Unit into a digital-savvy organization.
• Ensure stable, compliant, secure, and predictable IT/OT operations with continuous improvement in operational metrics.
• Drive the Manufacturing Capital Expansion Program and ensure timely delivery of technology assets.
• Maximize value realization from the Digital Manufacturing portfolio by collaborating with various IT functions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Demonstrate stewardship of company resources and implement a culture of financial accountability.
• Focus on continuous improvement of processes and motivate teams towards agility and compliance.
• Participate in the IT Senior Leadership Network to contribute to the overall IT strategy.
• Develop a strong internal and external network to recruit diverse talent and establish vendor partnerships.
• Maintain a personal development plan and commit to lifelong learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in information management, computer science, engineering, or other technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role in a manufacturing environment, ideally in technology enablement.
• 15+ years of experience in technology-intensive manufacturing operations or IT/Automation leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success in driving technologically driven transformation programs.
• Strong understanding of agile delivery models and/or lean-six-sigma approaches.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with a drive for results.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills in English.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to articulate complex technical topics.
• Proven experience in team building, mentoring, and leadership.
• Strong quantitative skills to use data and metrics for decision-making.
• Self-motivated with a mindset of continuous learning.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of digital tools and methodologies in manufacturing.

Benefits

• Hybrid work model with three days on-site and two days remote per week.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Opportunities for career development and continuous learning.