Job Description
Applications are sought for an SAP Master Data Sr. Specialist in Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D (VAX PR&D). The role supports pilot-scale GMP manufacture of bulk biologic clinical supplies (vaccines and therapeutic proteins) and will create, design, and sustain standardized business processes, master data governance, system sustainment, and lifecycle material management, while providing peer coaching and expert consultation.
The position will be temporarily based in West Point, PA for approximately 18 months (up to 24 months) to support business needs. After this period, the role is intended to relocate to Rahway, NJ.
Applicants should be comfortable with this planned geographic transition. In Rahway, the position will support the Next Generation Biologics (NGB) facility, which will be a premier, state-of-the-art facility, that is a key part of our Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) hub at our site headquarters in Rahway, NJ. This facility will be fully online in the next few years, both in terms of facility construction and organizational realization. The GMP facility is designed for multi-product operations with flexible operating suites, which can adjust as the clinical pipeline demands change. It can meet all historic, currently existing, and cutting-edge biologics program demands from supporting development to pilot scale, small and large scale potent material handling, and the ability to integrate new technologies and cell-line platforms.
The SAP Master Data Sr. Specialist will use SAP, business process knowledge, and SOPs to maintain alignment with global business processes and site regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with Process Staff, Formulators, Engineers, IT, Quality, and other team members to understand and execute master data requirements, lead cross-functional initiatives, and drive continuous improvement.
Responsibilities of the SAP Master Data Sr. Specialist include but not limited to:
· Act as the Master Data subject matter expert and apply advanced knowledge to the creation, maintenance, review, analysis, and accuracy of master data
· Design, implementation, sustainment, performance, and monitoring of standard business processes in all production execution and master data functions
· Own and drive master data governance activities, including definition of data standards, stewardship roles, and escalation paths
· Gather, analyze, and report process performance and transactional discipline metrics to ensure compliance and continuous improvement; translate metrics into action plans
· Collaborate with other site and regional/global team members and participate as a member of the site CoP Team; influence regional master data strategies
· Develop and maintain SOPs along with associated trainings and provide delivery of the end user trainings; lead change management activities
· Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex master data issues and lead root cause corrective actions
· Lead and assist in process improvement projects; manage project planning, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of outcomes
· Identify and implement continuous process improvement opportunities and promote best practices across the network
· Coordinate and share best practices with our Company sites in the network
· Act as a resource for technical expertise—offering consultation, coaching, and practical support to team members at all levels.
· Assist in external agency inspections, as needed
· Support safety, compliance, and GMP initiatives
Qualifications
· BS degree in Engineering, Sciences, Business, or a related field with minimum 5 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience
Required Experience and Skills:
· Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced and dynamic pilot plant environment that demands out-of-box thinking, prioritization, and rapid response to events and situations
· Direct experience with working with SAP master data
· Strong understanding of manufacturing principles/processes through work experience and ability to translate manufacturing requirements into an Automation/Digital Solution
· Experience leading projects and influencing stakeholders across functions in a challenging and changing global environment
· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team across various functions in a challenging and changing global environment
· Proven track record of analytical skills, problem solving, and attention to detail
· High personal integrity, credibility, and energy
· Strong written and verbal communication skills
· Strong computer skills in Excel
Preferred Experience and Skills:
· Experience in pharma/sterile manufacturing
· Experience in working with MES systems
· Prior experience mentoring or supervising other specialists, and driving cross-site initiatives
#eligibleforERP
#PRD
Required Skills:
Adaptability, Continuous Process Improvement, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Fast-Paced Environments, GMP Compliance, Problem Solving, Technical Problem-Solving
Preferred Skills:
Business Processes, Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Process Improvement Projects, Process Improvements, Project Leadership, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
05/26/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.