Associate Specialist - Lean/Continuous Improvement

Job DescriptionOur Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a “Safety First, Quality Always” mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products.At our Company Manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, we currently have a Lean - Continuous Improvement Associate Specialist position available. The Elkton Plant is located in the Shenandoah Valley along the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The facility is just a short distance from major state universities: University of Virginia and James Madison University.　Position Description:The Lean - Continuous Improvement Associate Specialist will report to the Site Company Production System Lead.　The role will initially focus on the following responsibilities:

Coach, teach & partner with Integrated Process Team Leads and Centers of Excellence to develop and maintain a sustainable lean manufacturing environment driven by an engaged workforce, develop plans and execute people performance improvement activities that directly contribute to the business

Prioritize, align and integrate use of various tools & strategies to analyze and standardize process, material and information management in support of manufacturing value streams and effectively transfer required mindsets, behaviors and skills into the organization (Standard work, Visual Management, Coaching and feedback, Performance Adherence, Change Management, Statistical Rhythms and Patterns)

Partner with the production teams on the shop floor to identify sources & eliminate issues due to management execution and employee interactions and develop trust through standardized communication tools

Coordinate area governance processes for the above tasks (metrics, portfolio, gemba )

Incorporate continuous improvement skills through the framework of our Company Production System, resulting in sustainability & realization of intended people and business benefit.

Conduct impact & needs assessments

Stay abreast of new and changing technology, procedures, and management practices to maintain a highly skilled workforce.

Qualifications:Education Minimum Requirement:

Bachelor's degree

Required Experience and Skills:

A good scholastic understanding in at least of the following areas:　 Manufacturing/Production Operations or Planning, Lean, Six Sigma, Process Improvement or Biological/Pharmaceutical technology.

Solid business principles understanding, proven team-building skills, exceptionally good listening skills, results oriented

Experience in coaching and/or teaching others to think about and apply new methods and tools

Experience enabling and leveraging diverse perspectives, talents, etc. to achieve business or educational outcomes

Excellent skills using IT applications to organize and analyze data (ex. MS-Excel, Minitab, MS-PowerPoint).

Preferred Experience and Skills:

Prior experience working in a manufacturing environment that is regulated by a

Demonstrated experience practically applying methodology to accelerate & improve business results (lean, change management, inclusion, experiential learning, adult learning)

Our Manufacturing & Supply Division is committed to be the most trusted supplier of bio-pharmaceuticals worldwide. Our facilities, along with our external contractors, suppliers, and partners, create an interdependent global manufacturing network that’s committed to delivering a high quality, reliable supply to customers and patients on time, every time.Who we are …Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as “Merck” in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as “MSD” in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology, vaccines and animal health products.We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives. With 69,000 employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state of the art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to Inspire our employees as we learn, develop and grow in our careers. We are proud of our 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world’s biggest investors in Research & Development.What we look for …In a world of rapid innovation, we seek brave Inventors who want to make an Impact in all aspects of our business, enabling breakthroughs that will affect generations to come. We encourage you to bring your disruptive thinking, collaborative spirit and diverse perspective to our organization. Together we will continue Inventing For Life, Impacting Lives while Inspiring Your Career Growth.INVENT.IMPACT.INSPIRE.NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTSIn accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.If you need an accommodation for the application process please email us at staffingaadar@merck.comFor more information about personal rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, visit:EEOC Poster at https://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeocselfprintposter.pdfEEOC GINA Supplement​ at https://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeocginasupplement.pdfOFCCP EEO Supplement at https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCPEEOSupplementFinalJRFQA508c.pdfOFCCP Pay Transparency Rule at https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp%20EnglishformattedESQA508c.pdfWe are an equal opportunity employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran – proudly embracing diversity in all of its manifestations.Search Firm Representatives Please Read CarefullyMerck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Kenilworth, 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:RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:NoTravel Requirements:10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Shift:Valid Driving License:Hazardous Material(s):Number of Openings:1Requisition ID: R51282