Improvement Lead (Packaging)

Job Description

We are looking for a hands-on, people-centered process thinker who combines operational excellence with a curiosity for automation, digitization, and data-driven improvement.

For our Animal Health location in Boxmeer we are currently recruiting an Improvement Lead (Packaging)

Welkom to our team

Our location in Boxmeer is the largest facility within our global Animal Health network, focused on the development, production, and packaging of high-quality vaccines and medicines for various animal species. The production organization includes several Integrated Process Teams (IPTs) and Centers of Excellence (CoEs). The IPT Packaging, with 160 FTEs, is responsible for the secondary packaging of our products according to GMP standards and works according to our in-house developed production system (MPS), which is based on Lean Six Sigma and inclusion principles. The IPT consists of four production teams, a Maintenance & Reliability team (M&R) and an Improvement Team. The IPT is characterized by a strong investment climate and is evolving into an advanced high-tech environment by integrating innovative technologies and automation.

About the role

As a member of the IPT Management Team and reporting to the IPT Lead, you play a leading role in driving strategic initiatives within the Packaging department. You are responsible for managing the portfolio of improvement projects, ranging from new product introductions and process improvements to major capital investments. In this role, you identify, prioritize, and implement improvement initiatives across the packaging process to enhance performance, eliminate waste, and improve efficiency, quality, and safety. You work closely with Operations, M&R, Quality, IT and Supply Chain to deliver sustainable process improvements and to unlock the value of automation, data, and digital solutions. In addition, you develop the team and the IPT in the application of Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Change Management, and data-driven decision-making tools.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Managing and developing the Improvement Team (13 employees), building a capable and engaged team with the skills needed for future ways of working.
• Contributing to defining the IPT strategy, aligned with the site strategy and long-term transformation roadmap.
• Governing the project portfolio, including new product introductions, process optimization, automation, and digital improvement initiatives.
• Initiating and managing initiatives to stabilize and improve packaging processes using Lean Six Sigma, data analysis, and structured problem solving.
• Assuring effective application of Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Change Management, and digital improvement tools.
• Supporting the business in investigating and solving complex cross-functional issues using the right techniques, data, and stakeholder alignment.
• Contributing to a data-driven decision-making culture by visualizing problems, progress, and results through dashboards, KPI reviews, and performance routines.
• Supporting IPT performance reviews and prioritization of key KPIs with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Exploring opportunities where automation, analytics, and AI can improve decision quality, process stability, and productivity.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant (technical) field, such as Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Business Administration or equivalent.
• Strong experience in leading and successfully completing project-based improvement initiatives in a relevant production environment (Pharma, Food, Chemical).
• Experience in coaching, training, and influencing people across functions and levels.
• Familiar with GMP principles and Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques; Green Belt certification required.
• Strong analytical mindset and comfort working with data, KPIs, and digital tools.
• Interest in or experience with automation, digitization, and AI-enabled improvement is a strong advantage.
• Strong communicator in both Dutch and English.
• Living at a reasonable distance from Boxmeer.

What we offer

The opportunity to play a key role in driving our Packaging organization into the future through automation, digitization, and data-enabled continuous improvement. You will join a high-investment, high-impact environment where you can influence strategy, develop people, and help shape the next generation of operational excellence at Boxmeer. In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package that supports your well-being, growth, and long-term success:

• Competitive compensation aligned with your knowledge and experience.
• 3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• 35,5 days of leave.
• Solid Pension Plan.
• Travel allowance for commuting.
• Numerous training, coaching and e-learning modules for long term job opportunities and development.
• 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: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com

Applications can only be submitted via our careers site.

Required Skills:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Change Management, Coaching, Continuous Improvement, Data Analysis Tools, Decision Making, Interpersonal Relationships, Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Manufacturing, People Leadership, Performance Metrics, Process Improvements, Project Management, Six Sigma, Strategic Thinking, Strategy Deployment, Strategy Development, Team Development

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

10/2/2026

*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.