Operational Coach (Start-up Phase)

Job Description You are responsible for building not only the future operating team, but also the digital manufacturing culture required to successfully operate a next-generation, paperless production facility. For our Animal Health location Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting an: Operational Coach – Blend & Fill Facility (Start-up Phase) Welcome in our team As part of a fully digital manufacturing facility, the Operational Coach plays a key role in preparing the workforce to operate in a paperless environment supported by advanced manufacturing technologies, real-time data, connected systems, and digital workflows. The role is instrumental in fostering a culture that embraces innovation, continuous learning, and digital adoption. Working closely with fellow Operational Coaches and cross-functional partners including Maintenance & Reliability (M&R), Engineering, Automation, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), Supply Chain, Digital Manufacturing, and Project teams, the Operational Coach helps ensure the facility is prepared for commissioning, qualification, validation, and commercial operations. Purpose of the role The Operational Coach is responsible for building, developing, and leading a team of operators during the start-up and operational readiness phase of a new Blend & Fill manufacturing facility. The role is critical in establishing a high-performing organization capable of safely, compliantly, and efficiently operating a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment. The role combines people leadership, operational readiness, digital transformation, and hands-on involvement in facility start-up activities. Acting as a change leader, the Operational Coach fosters a culture of safety, quality, accountability, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and digital-first thinking from the earliest stages of facility operation. Tasks and responsibilities Organization & Team Development Recruit, onboard, train, and develop operators to build a high-performing operations team. Establish team structures, shift patterns, clear roles, and accountabilities. Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation. Digital Manufacturing & Capability Building Prepare and coach operators for a fully paperless manufacturing environment. Drive adoption of digital manufacturing systems, electronic batch records, and data-driven workflows. Build digital capabilities and promote the use of performance data for decision-making and operational excellence. Operational Readiness Support development and implementation of operational processes, standards, and training programs. Contribute to staffing, capability development, and readiness planning. Ensure operators are prepared to execute manufacturing processes safely, compliantly, and right first time from Day 1. Safety, Quality & Compliance Promote a strong safety-first and quality-first culture. Ensure compliance with GMP, EHS, data integrity, and regulatory requirements. Drive risk mitigation and coach teams on quality, compliance, and data governance standards. Key Success Measures Successful recruitment, onboarding, and qualification of the operations workforce. Readiness of people, processes, systems, and digital tools for commissioning and validation. High adoption and effective use of digital manufacturing capabilities. Safe, compliant, and efficient execution of start-up and qualification activities. Development of a capable, digitally enabled, and self-sustaining operations team. Seamless transition from project phase to commercial operations with strong engagement and continuous improvement. Your Profile Bachelor's degree (HBO level) in Engineering, Process Technology, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field. Proven experience in a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, chemical, or other regulated production environment. Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and coach operational teams, preferably within a start-up, expansion, or transformation environment. Strong understanding of GMP, EHS, quality systems, and regulatory requirements within a regulated manufacturing environment. Digitally savvy with an interest in leveraging technology, data, and automation to improve operational performance. Experience working with manufacturing execution systems (MES), electronic batch records (EBR), digital workflows, data visualization tools, or other digital manufacturing technologies is preferred. Fluent in Dutch and English, both written and verbal. 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: . Applications can only be submitted via the website. Required Skills: Adaptability, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Machinery Operation, Operational Efficiency, Process Improvements, Production Planning, 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: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 08/26/2026 *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.