Pharmaceutical Production Director (F/M), Semoy

Our passion for science and technology drives our approximately 62,000 employees in 65 countries to address some of today’s toughest challenges and develop more sustainable ways of living.

In our rapidly changing and uncertain world, factors such as an aging population, chronic diseases, AI, climate change, and other megatrends have created an appetite for scientific breakthroughs that can make a positive difference across our global society. The pace of change will increase over coming decades as technologies evolve and converge in ways that fundamentally transform how we live and work. For us at Merck, change is not a threat but an opportunity as we have proven for over more than 350 years.

Tasks

• As the Pharmaceutical Production Director (F/M) at our Semoy site (550 employees, near Orléans – 45, France), you are at the heart of our mission to ensure excellence in the manufacturing of high-quality pharmaceutical products. You oversee the entire production process of dry and sterile forms, ensuring compliance with the strictest quality, cost, and safety standards. Your inspiring leadership allows you to motivate and develop a talented team while fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. You are responsible for optimizing production processes to improve productivity, profitability, and industrial efficiency. You work closely with other departments on site, especially Quality (QA & QC), to promote and facilitate the development of a "Quality Culture" in the daily activities of industrial teams.
• You are responsible for managing your budget and resources to ensure the effective use of the company's assets. Your technical expertise is essential for resolving operational challenges, analyzing dysfunctions, proposing, and driving concrete improvement plans. As a member of the Executive Committee, you prepare and influence the strategic directions of the site, including various investment projects and the acquisition of new equipment, etc. You actively engage in risk prevention regarding health and safety at work while minimizing the environmental impact of our activities.
• This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to industrial activities that have a direct impact on patient health and to play a key role in a constantly evolving environment, with increasing production volumes to meet global demand, while overseeing an organization of 200 employees. If you are passionate about innovation in pharmaceutical production, we want to meet you!

Profile

• You are an industrial pharmacist or engineer (Master’s or PhD in chemistry, biotechnology, production) with at least 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in the manufacturing of dry forms.
• You have solid experience in an international group environment and possess a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and operational excellence.
• You have managed industrial teams of over 100 employees, with experience in managing managers and the ability to navigate the complexity of a matrix organization.
• You are focused on efficiency and profitability, with a strong Quality mindset that you instill in your team.
• Ideally, you hold professional certifications such as Green or Black Belt; APICS.
• You are assertive, capable of challenging the status quo and supporting the managerial development of your teams.
• You are fluent in French and English; proficiency in German is a plus.