Senior Specialist, External Quality
Job Summary
Job Description
Position Overview
Individual contributor role responsible for ensuring that all products managed by External Quality Assurance (EQA) are manufactured packaged analyzed released stored and distributed in conformance with all applicable regulatory requirements regulatory filings and company policies.
Role has primary batch release responsibility and ensures that effective and robust Quality systems are in place to comply with required regulations policies and guidelines governing the External Party manufacture and release of API intermediates API non-sterile pharmaceuticals sterile pharmaceuticals.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities (Includes but are not limited to)
The Sr Specialist External Quality is responsible for:
Primary functions and responsibilities of the role:
Act as Qualified Person (QP) where applicable to certify the batches of Finished Good products to be released in the EU Market under requirements of European Laws & applicable regulations
Support New Product Introduction and other process transfer/validation activities at partner sites where required
Act as delegate for EQA Associate Director roles when required
Evaluate and/or release products with the assurance that the goods were produced in conformance to all applicable policies/procedures and compliance with all governing regulations
Manage/coordinate internal and external partner deviations and complaints as required assist in the coordination of significant investigations including Fact Findings and RCA risk assessment support on critical issues to prevent disruption to supply
Review and approve changes to master batch records
Act as owner for change controls and change tasks as required
Support collection and compilation of documentation needed for regulatory filings/submissions when required
Operate in a safe and efficient manner and in compliance with the Safety and Health Policy
The Sr. Specialist External Quality is also responsible for:
Initiate & lead quality improvement projects new Quality Systems introduction and other assignments as per business needs
Provide training and coaching as required
Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders EQA Compliance Team and other ExN Platforms as part of cross-organizational engagement approach
Participating in external partner site visits and GEMBA as required as part of ongoing EQA oversight activities
Serves as Quality SME for EQA; Maintains and provides expertise on EQA quality and/or business systems tools data and processes on an ongoing basis
Amount of Travel Required: <10% travel
Qualification and and Skills Requirements (Includes but are not limited to)
Education and experience required for the job:
Education: Minimum four year degree in Science Engineering or other relevant technical discipline (e.g. BS/MS Biology Microbiology Pharmacy Chemistry Chemical Engineering or equivalent preferred).
Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry and/or biotechnology industry with a thorough knowledge of Quality Systems Quality Assurance and Quality Control including solid knowledge of global GMP and regulatory requirements
Essential skills and competencies for this role:
Ability to work on own initiative within minimum direction as well as lead/participate in cross-functional/matrixed teams and adapt to evolving business needs
Ability to effectively collaborate and influence outcomes in line with business priorities
Ability to problem solve solution and respond to complex problems/requests with minimum guidance and direction
Demonstrates active listening skills as well as ability to compile and communicate information clearly
Ability to work across boundaries demonstrates interpersonal relationship building and leadership skills
Communicates in English both verbally and in writing
Proficient with digital systems such as Veeva applications SAP COMET CLUE MS Teams
Required Skills:
Adaptability Adaptability Applied Engineering Biotechnology Business Systems Chemical Engineering Chemical Technology Data Analysis Deviation Management External Manufacturing Finished Products Immunochemistry Interpersonal Relationships Manufacturing Quality Control Metrics Reporting Microbiology New Product Introduction (NPI) Pharmaceutical Management Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Product Quality Complaints Product Quality Control Quality Improvement Programs Regulatory Compliance Regulatory Submissions Relationship Building 2 morePreferred Skills:
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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:
RegularRelocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
RemoteShift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
05/15/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
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 medicine ... View more