Director, Chemical Technical Operations

MSD

Closes in 2 days Hybrid

Quick summary

Work type: Hybrid
Location: Rahway, NJCedar Rapids, IADes Moines, IACaliforniaWest Point, PA
Salary: $173,200–$272,600 / yr
Posted: 8 days ago
Closes: Jul 4, 2026 (soon)
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $192k

This role $223k

$131k most similar roles pay here $288k

This role pays more than 79% of similar roles. Most pay $161,862–$222,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $223k versus about $192k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About MSD

MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is the international name for Merck & Co., a major U.S.-based pharmaceutical company.

MSD currently has 21 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $129,000–$203,100 across 21 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at MSD

At a glance

TL;DR · Director, Chemical Technical Operations

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The Chemical Technical Operations Director for North America API External Manufacturing leads a team responsible for the technical oversight and continuous improvement of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient manufacturing at external contract facilities. This role involves partnering with various departments to ensure robust supply chains, manage risk, and drive innovation through process optimization and new technology adoption. The director will coach and develop their team while fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving and knowledge sharing. Key responsibilities include ensuring GMP compliance, overseeing process scale-up and validation at external suppliers, and collaborating on strategies for future business initiatives. Candidates should have extensive experience in technical operations or related fields, with expertise in API processing and new technologies such as biocatalysts and flow chemistry.

Skills

GMP_Compliance API_Manufacturing Process_Optimization Technical_Leadership Operational_Excellence Proactive_Process_Monitoring Cross_Functional_Collaboration Validation_Protoocols Continuous_Improvement Data_Driven_Approach Knowledge_Management Sterile_Filling

What you'll do

Lead and develop a diverse team to enable evolving business needs in API manufacturing.
Provide technical oversight for new product introductions, sustained commercial supply, and risk management.
Drive continuous improvement through operational excellence methodologies and process optimization.
Ensure technical skill and capability building of internal and external teams for robust operations.
Direct safe and compliant resolution of complex technical or business challenges with a data-driven approach.
Foster a community focused on sharing, learning, and deploying new technologies across the organization.

What we're looking for

Bachelors in a technical field with at least 10 years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience.
Proven leadership in Technical Operations, Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality Operations or Engineering roles.
Expertise in resolving complex technical issues impacting supply continuity and introducing new technologies.
Experience with traditional API processing and advanced techniques like biocatalysis, flow chemistry, and sterile manufacturing.
Ability to develop strong technical capabilities for new products and ensure appropriate control strategies.
Strong knowledge of GMP compliance and cross-functional leadership skills.
Frequent travel (25%) required for oversight and collaboration across external facilities.

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