Director of Maintenance, Facilities & Operational Services

Join Our Team Driving Operational Excellence in Veterinary Medicine

Drive operational excellence and sustainability in a dynamic, growing pharmaceutical environment, shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

For our Animal Health location in Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting a Director of Maintenance, Facilities & Operational Services.

Welcome to our team

Our Boxmeer site is part of our international Animal Health network and produces and packages veterinary medicines for the global market. The production organization in Boxmeer consists of several Integrated Process Teams (IPTs) and Centers of Excellence (CoE’s). Our Maintenance, Facilities & Operational Services CoE, organized in four teams, ensures reliable delivery of critical utilities (steam, purified water, WFI, electricity) and essential services (maintenance, calibration, facility management, asset management) across our Dutch Animal Health sites, all compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) regulations.

Purpose of the role

Reporting directly into the Plant Manager of Boxmeer, and as a key member of the site management team, you will lead and manage the CoE Maintenance, Facilities & Operational Services, driving operational excellence, safety, quality, and cost efficiency. You will ensure uninterrupted, compliant utility and service delivery to internal customers (R&D, Manufacturing), while optimizing asset use and supporting site expansion and master planning. Additionally, you will champion continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives, including energy management and the development of net zero strategies. This role requires close collaboration with the leaders of our Manufacturing and Research & Development organization.

Tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Lead and develop a diverse team (60 internal, 150 outsourced with four direct reports), fostering inclusion and talent growth.
• Define and execute asset management strategies to optimize equipment utilization and lifecycle.
• Deliver high-quality, safe, and cost-effective utilities and services aligned with GMP and EHS standards.
• Collaborate closely with internal customers to understand needs and ensure service excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives targeting safety, cost reduction, and service enhancement.
• Oversee energy management and sustainability programs to support the site’s net zero goals.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost control and efficiency.
• Support site master planning to accommodate growth and new product introductions.

Your profile

• A degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in an engineering or maintenance role, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven ability to lead initiatives that optimize performance and drive cost efficiency using Lean methodologies, process standardization, and strategic resource management.
• Demonstrated track record of building, leading, and developing high-performing, diverse teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to understand and meet internal customer needs effectively.
• Action-driven mentality with strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent command of the English language, both oral and written, to communicate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Living at a reasonable distance from Boxmeer.

What we offer

The opportunity to challenge the status quo and leverage your entrepreneurial spirit in a market where demand is rising, and significant investments are being made in advanced technology and automation to effectively meet that growing demand. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• Competitive salary and a 3% year-end bonus.
• 25 days of leave.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Solid Pension Plan.
• Bonus Plan subject to the company annual results.
• Long Term Incentive Plan.
• Flexible working arrangements.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

Do you have questions about this job vacancy?
Send your question, including the job number and job title, to the following email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com

Required Skills:

Budget Management, Client Relationship Building, Commercial Property Management, Conflict Resolution, Customer-Focused, Customer Service, Equipment Maintenance, High Performance Team Building, Hiring Management, Job Descriptions, Maintenance Management, Management Process, Negotiation, People Leadership, Real Estate Planning, Right-Of-Way (ROW) Acquisitions, Security Strategy, Site Acquisitions, Utilities Management, Writing Job Descriptions, Writing Technical Documents