Manager Operations Animal Research

Job Description

For our Animal Health location Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting a Manager Operations (Animal Research Department)

Welcome to our team

Our Animal Research Department (ARD) in Boxmeer is dedicated to executing animal studies that support our Research & Development (R&D) and Quality Control (QC) initiatives, while strictly adhering to the 3R principles: Replace, Reduce, and Refine. With a team of > 60 skilled employees, the ARD conducts experiments aimed at developing innovative vaccines and biotherapeutics, as well as facilitating the compliant release of licensed vaccines in line with regulatory guidelines. Additionally, the department conducts pathology studies across various species. Our ARD is structured into four operational teams focused on experimental research, a Veterinary Team responsible for ensuring the highest standards of animal care.  Supporting these efforts is a team of specialists who enhance our initiatives in Safety, Quality, and Project Management. Together, these teams play a vital role in advancing research initiatives that enhance scientific knowledge and drive innovation, all while upholding the highest ethical standards in animal research.

Tasks and responsibilities

ARD Operations Manager is responsible for the operational management and performance of one or more teams within the Animal Research Department in Boxmeer. The role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient execution of animal studies, while driving continuous improvement across People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost. The Operations Manager builds and develops a high-performing team of animal technicians and animal technician specialists, aligns resources with study demand, and contributes to the strategic development of ARD, by translating strategy into operational plans and taking responsibility for their execution by acting as a sponsor or a project lead. Through strong stakeholder management and collaboration with R&D, QC, EHS, and Veterinary functions, the role enhances internal customer satisfaction and the quality of operational output.

Main responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of animal technicians and animal technician specialists, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Manage daily operations including study execution, resource planning, and workload balancing.

• Ensure compliance with GLP, EHS, and company standards and maintain inspection of readiness.

• Collaborate with R&D, QC, EHS, Facility Management, and Veterinary stakeholders.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (as a sponsor or project lead) and translate strategy into operational plans.

• Monitor and improve performance across People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost metrics.

• Manage facilities, assets, and systems within the team(s).

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Biosciences or related field

• Proven experience in team management

• Strong stakeholder management skills

• Continuous improvement mindset

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Fluency in English and Dutch

What we offer

We are offering an opportunity to enhance internal customer satisfaction and elevate the quality of our ARD outputs. Your leadership will ensure that the department not only meets but consistently exceeds expectations, driving excellence in all aspects of our operations. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect:

• A competitive salary, depending on your knowledge and experience.

• A 3% year-end bonus and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

• A minimum of 35,5 vacation days.

• Travel expense reimbursement and a solid pension scheme.

• A high-quality company restaurant with daily fresh and healthy options.

• Excellent accessibility: the train station is located directly at our main entrance and there is ample parking available.

• A contribution towards your personal sports subscription to support your vitality.

• A beautiful private park on site, ideal for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.

• Mental wellbeing support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.

• Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.

• Extensive career growth opportunities thanks to the size of the site and the presence of many 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 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

Required Skills:

Experimentation, Interdisciplinary, Laboratory Techniques, Mentorship, People Leadership, Research Proposal Development, Research Techniques, Technical Documentation Management, Vaccine Development

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. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

06/20/2026

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