Associate Director Utilities

Job Description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an Associate Director Utilities to join our high-performing engineering team. In this pivotal role, you will be the single point of contact and leader for a diverse team of engineering professionals. Beyond day-to-day operations, you will be the driving force behind our digital transformation, identifying key projects for our utility infrastructure, enabling smarter maintenance with a focus on sustainable technology.

Our Companies in Ireland is one of the country’s leading healthcare companies, having first established here 50 years ago. The company has a dynamic and inclusive team of over 4,000 employees currently working across eight locations in Ballydine, Co. Tipperary, Brinny, Co. Cork, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Carlow and Dublin, and, in addition, operate substantial Human Health and Animal Health businesses. We work at the forefront of science and technology to advance manufacturing excellence and R&D across our Irish sites and global company network.  

As a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art vaccines facility spanning over 15,500 square metres across three stories, our Dundalk site will focus on qualification, continued product development and expanding its capabilities within our network. Featuring drug substance manufacturing, drug product manufacturing and quality control labs that will support the global supply of vaccine products - strengthening our ability to make an impact on people and patients worldwide by adding new capabilities to our already industry-leading network. 

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following: 

• Support and develop a high-performing engineering team, fostering continuous learning.

• Oversee key site utilities; plant steam & clean steam,
  compressed air, purified water, site water systems, HVAC, waste water treatment plant (WWTP), and nitrogen distribution system

• Promote effective employee relations through open communication and flexible management.
• Coach individuals to reach their potential and build a world-class manufacturing support group.
• Manage the site Utilities Project Management Office (PMO) and oversee a complex project portfolio.
• Identify and secure investment for asset replacements, cost-saving initiatives, and strategic improvements.
• Act as the Sponsor and Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for projects with Global Engineering Services and Outsource Engineering Provider (OEP).
• Ensure reliable supply of high-quality clean utilities and maintain a strong Quality & Safety mindset: Strictly observe QMS and EHS requirements, participate in audits, and manage quality risks through proposed mitigation plans.

What skills you will need: 

In order to excel in this role, you will more than likely have: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or 3rd Level Qualification in Engineering or Science discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or a similarly regulated environment, with a focus on utility/facility management.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role, managing large, diverse, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong capability in EHS and GMP compliance, including audit experience.
• Deep understanding of the project lifecycle and industrial safety standards.

Preferred

• Experience driving Environmental and Sustainability targets (e.g., reducing energy consumption through innovative tech).
• Hands-on experience with site Automation/SCADA systems, SAP CMMS, and modern PMO tools.
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement methodologies.

We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing inclusive, talented, and committed people together. 

Please don't hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition Advisor assigned to this role should you need any support during our recruitment process. 

We are committed to flexible working where possible, and this is why our Company has introduced a new hybrid working model for office-based colleagues around the world. 

Please feel free to speak to us about what flexibility means to you during your application. 

So, if you are ready to: 

Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, please apply today. 

Required Skills:

Driving Continuous Improvement, Global Engineering, HVAC Systems, Maintenance Management, People Leadership, Preventative Maintenance Programs, Reliability Engineering, Safety Leadership, Utility Systems

Preferred Skills:

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

08/13/2026

*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.