Merck & Co, Inc

Sterile Production Supervisor (Onsite)

Merck & Co, Inc$117K — $184K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Science, Engineering, or related field, or 7 years experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or processing with a high school diploma.
  • At least 4 years of experience in operations management, quality, technical operations, technology, engineering, or maintenance.
  • Preferably, 2 years in aseptic/sterile drug product manufacturing or processing.
  • 2 years in a heavily regulated industry (e.g., FDA or military).
  • At least 2 years of direct supervisory experience with a focus on leadership and team development.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise daily activities and set team priorities for production tasks.
  • Resolve daily operational and quality-related issues to maintain efficiency.
  • Manage compliance with safety and quality standards, promoting a Right First Time culture.
  • Ensure production metrics are met, including schedule adherence and customer service performance.
  • Develop a culture of continuous improvement and implement strategic initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes.
  • Foster employee engagement through professional development, coaching, and performance evaluations.
  • Adapt to business needs, including potential after-hours or weekend work.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
  • Retirement benefits, including 401(k) plan.
  • Paid holidays and vacation days as well as sick leave.
  • Options for annual bonuses and long-term incentives, when applicable.
Full Job Description

Job Description

Position Description

Rahway, NJ site has an opening for a Sterile Production Supervisor on 1st shift. 

The Formulation, Laboratory, and Experimentation (FLEx) Center is a new multi-modality (small molecule, biologics, vaccine) Drug Product development and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) clinical manufacturing plant in Rahway, New Jersey. The Sterile Production Supervisor manages a team of technicians for daily operations.   

Accountability

  • First line operations supervisor with a team of individual contributor production direct reports
  • Ensure that shift objectives are achieved while reliably supplying quality product at a competitive cost consistent with all applicable internal and external regulations for quality (GMP), safety, etc.
  • Tactical and strategic shift management, including collaboration with indirect staff
  • Promote the behaviors and principles that drive continuous improvement 

Duties

  • Coordinates and supervises the daily activities of individual contributors.  Sets priorities for the team to ensure task completion; coordinates work activities with other supervisors and develops plans to meet short-term objectives.
  • Identifies and resolves standard day to day quality, technical, and operational problems within own unit.  Makes decisions – guided by policies and standard operating procedures – that impact the efficiency and effectiveness of own unit.  Receives guidance and oversight from the Operations Director.
  • Works within budgetary/financial objectives set by Director 
  • Compliance – Responsible for creating and sustaining a culture that ensures that compliance (Safety, Environment, cGMP, etc.) are imperatives for the business. Responsible for establishing a Right First Time culture by reducing waste and constantly driving continuous improvement. Responsible to review and approve compliance documents, as per procedures or need. 
  • Supply – Exercise judgement and decision making to ensure quality product is reliably produced while managing cost. Responsible for Shift(s) supply performance metrics (Schedule Adherence, Release on Time, Customer service performance, Product Lead Time, etc.).
  • Continuous Improvement – Accountable for developing a company Production System (MPS) and continuous improvement culture while achieving MPS Targets and business results for the Shift(s). Develop strategic initiatives related to the manufacturing process, equipment and human resources in support of long range operating plans. Report Shift(s) monthly metrics and any action plans to address gaps to Management. Identify, prioritize and champion improvement initiatives to improve process efficiency, cycle time, and yield, reduce process variability and eliminate waste.
  • People Management – Responsible for creating and sustaining a highly engaged workforce through utilization of our company's Leadership Behaviors and Inclusion. Provide coaching on professional development and career paths. Provide timely feedback and performance evaluations for direct reports after obtaining the relevant input and evaluation. Provide feedback and input on performance evaluations for indirect staff. Support Talent Management. 
  • Position may require work outside of routine hours (e.g. nights / weekends), depending on business needs.

Core Skillsets

  • Ability to develop and lead others
  • Ability to be flexible and understand risk
  • Continuous improvement 
  • Conflict resolution
  • Leadership style – adaptive; high performance coaching; servant leader
  • Compliance mindset to safety, environmental, and quality regulations

Position Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirement:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Science, Engineering or another technical field, or at least 7 years experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or processing with HS diploma.

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Minimum (4) years’ experience in a functional area, such as operations Management, Quality, Technical Operations, Technology, Engineering or Maintenance.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Minimum (2) years’ experience in aseptic/sterile drug product manufacturing or processing
  • Minimum (2) years’ experience in heavily regulated industry (e.g. FDA, military, nuclear and petro-chemical)
  • Minimum (2) years’ direct supervisory experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Lean
  • Demonstrated experience of interacting with site, divisional or regulatory audits

#MSJR

#eligibleforERP

FLEx2026

Sterile2026

#PSCS

Required Skills:

Aseptic Processing, Leadership, Sterile Filling, Sterile Manufacturing, Sterile Operations, Sterile Processing, Sterile Products

Preferred Skills:

Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

The salary range for this role is

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/4/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

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Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

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Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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