Job Description

About the Role

As an International Project Manager within our Global Packaging Center of Excellence, you will take ownership of packaging-related projects across their entire lifecycle – from development and validation to successful implementation and optimization.

For our site in Unterschleißheim, we are looking for a driven and experienced packaging professional who combines technical expertise with strong project management skills and a proactive mindset.

This role is focused on supporting our European manufacturing network while closely collaborating with global teams across R&D, Engineering, Quality, Marketing, Supply Chain, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of packaging projects, including development, validation, implementation, and process optimization
• Lead the packaging workstream within cross-functional New Product Introduction (NPI) teams
• Support manufacturing sites in implementing global packaging standards and improvements
• Act as a key interface between local site teams and global functions (R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, Supply Chain, Marketing, Quality, Procurement)
• Review packaging material specifications and assess opportunities to improve quality, cost, or efficiency
• Conduct and support packaging-related deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Identify and initiate continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging performance and operational effectiveness
• Share packaging knowledge and best practices across sites and functions
• Ensure full compliance with applicable regulations and quality standards (e.g., GMP, FDA, EMA)
• Plan and execute risk assessments, improvement actions, and validation activities for pharmaceutical packaging processes
• Be regularly present at the Unterschleißheim site and willing to travel to other manufacturing locations in Europe (approx. 20%)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Solid expertise in packaging materials and technologies, ideally gained in a regulated industry such as pharmaceuticals or food
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional packaging or technical projects
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to operate independently and drive results
• Sound understanding of GMP, regulatory standards (FDA, EMA), and quality assurance in manufacturing environments
• Structured, hands-on, and adaptable to changing project needs and team dynamics
• Comfortable working with cross-site teams and various stakeholders across functions and cultures
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Fluent English skills required; when based in Unterschleißheim, German is also required. Additional languages are a plus
• Willingness to travel within Europe (up to 20%) and on site presence in Unterschleißheim is needed

What We Offer

• A strategic and visible role in a growing global team with international scope
• A high degree of autonomy and ownership over your projects
• Exposure to diverse stakeholders, technologies, and manufacturing environments
• A team culture defined by diversity, trust, and collaboration
• The opportunity to shape packaging solutions that contribute to product quality, sustainability, and innovation

💡 Ready to make an impact in global packaging operations?
We look forward to receiving your application

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Required Skills:

Applied Engineering, Applied Engineering, Change Management, Combination Products, Compliance Packaging, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Detail-Oriented, Deviation Management, Engineering Standards, German Language, Global Engineering, Global Supply Chain, GMP Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Management Process, Manufacturing Scale-Up, Mentorship, New Product Introduction (NPI), Packaging Engineering, Packaging Processes, Pharmaceutical Packaging, Process Optimization, Project Management, Risk Assessments, Risk Management {+ 4 more}

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

08/20/2025

*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.