Director, Technical Operations (Small Molecule Drug Substance)

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 $220k
This role $223k
$160k most similar roles pay here $285k

This role pays less than 54% of similar roles. Most pay $180,500–$259,111 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $223k versus about $220k 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 Substance)

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Director, Technical Operations (Small Molecule Drug Substance) 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 overseeing the industrialization of new technologies. Key responsibilities include managing technology transfers, scale-up strategies, process validation, and lifecycle management to ensure robust production. The individual will drive right-first-time execution, perform root cause analysis, and manage CAPA effectiveness in a highly regulated environment. Required expertise includes manufacturing processes, process engineering, and troubleshooting within GMP and ICH guidelines. The role requires proficiency in data integrity, risk assessment, and cross-functional leadership across Science, Quality, and Supply Chain functions to ensure compliant, reliable supply while leading team development and implementing digital and data-enabled improvements for continuous operational excellence.

Skills

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

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 small molecule manufacturing processes.
  • Resolve complex technical challenges and provide authoritative responses to regulatory queries 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 and lead a high-performing team through workforce planning, succession planning, and skill development.
  • Ensure all operations maintain strict GMP compliance, data integrity, and safety standards.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree preferred in Science or Engineering.
  • Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline with 7+ years of experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in small molecule drug substance process development or manufacturing technical operations.
  • Proven track record in new product introduction, tech transfer, PPQ, commercial scale-up, and process validation.
  • Knowledge of GMP, ICH guidelines, process safety, and Quality Systems.
  • Experience leading complex investigations and driving organizational transformation through capability building and cross-functional alignment.
  • Strong experience in manufacturing scale-up, risk assessment, and lifecycle management.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and influence skills to lead across geographies.

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