Director, Technical Operations (Small Molecule Drug Product)

MSD

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Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Elkton, VA
Salary
$173,200–$272,600 / yr
Posted
27 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today
Closes
Oct 1, 2026
Nearby
9 roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $228k
This role $223k
$161k most similar roles pay here $288k

This role pays less than 56% of similar roles. Most pay $193,825–$262,462 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $223k versus about $228k 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 47 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $117,000–$184,200 across 47 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Director, Technical Operations (Small Molecule Drug Product)

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Director, Technical Operations (Small Molecule Drug Product) leads technical operations for a small molecule manufacturing site focused on producing medicines for human and animal health. This role serves as the site subject matter expert for equipment, facility systems, and infrastructure while managing the intersection of process engineering, scale-up, validation, and troubleshooting. The successful candidate will oversee technology transfers, product introductions, and lifecycle management to ensure robust, reliable performance in a highly regulated environment. Key responsibilities include driving root cause analysis, CAPA effectiveness, and risk mitigation while ensuring GMP compliance and data integrity. The role requires expertise in chemical process development, manufacturing scale-up, and industrializing new technologies. Candidates must possess strong skills in cross-functional leadership, stakeholder management, and technical problem-solving to ensure high-quality supply and maintain audit readiness across the product lifecycle.

Skills

GMP Technology Transfer Process Engineering Scale-up Validation Chemical Process Development CAPA Root Cause Analysis Data Integrity ICH Guidelines Quality Systems Risk Management CPV Analytics Manufacturing Scale-up Small Molecule Manufacturing Audit Readiness

What you'll do

  • Lead site-level product introductions and technology transfer strategies from commercialization sites into production.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for equipment, facility systems, and manufacturing process engineering.
  • Resolve complex technical issues and provide authoritative responses for regulatory inspections and audits.
  • Monitor manufacturing performance data to identify trends and implement proactive risk mitigation actions.
  • Drive continuous improvement by streamlining business processes and integrating digital and data-enabled tools.
  • Build team capabilities through workforce planning, succession planning, and specialized skill development.
  • Ensure all operations maintain strict GMP compliance, data integrity, and high-quality standards.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree preferred in Science or Engineering.
  • Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline (required for candidates with 7+ years of experience).
  • 10+ years of experience in small molecule drug product process development or manufacturing technical operations.
  • Proven track record in new product introduction, tech transfer, PPQ, commercial scale-up, process validation, and lifecycle management.
  • Knowledge of GMP, ICH guidelines, process safety, Quality Systems, and inspection readiness leadership.
  • Experience leading complex investigations and driving organizational transformation through capability building and cross-functional alignment.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and influence skills to lead across geographies.
  • Must be a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico.

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