Associate Director, External Development and Manufacturing, Drug Product

MSD • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d • $129,000 - $203,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director works in the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Device Development organization, which translates molecules into medicines from discovery through registration by designing, developing, scaling, and transferring formulations, devices, and manufacturing processes. The External Development and Manufacturing team executes drug product and device sourcing strategies across small- and large-molecule research and development.

The role independently leads formulation, device, and process development, as well as current Good Manufacturing Practice drug product manufacturing activities at external providers. Working with matrix teams in product development, Quality, Analytical, Procurement, and Global Clinical Supply, the Associate Director supports oral solid dosage forms, biologics, vaccines, specialty products, and drug-device combinations. The position also contributes to operational excellence, external network strategy, and productive vendor relationships. The role is hybrid and based primarily in Rahway, New Jersey, with 10% travel.

Requirements

• B.S. with at least 8 years of relevant industrial experience, or M.S. with at least 6 years, or Ph.D. with at least 4 years in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
• Relevant pharmaceutical development, clinical manufacturing, supply chain, or external manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated vendor and project management, cross-functional collaboration, and independent execution of business deliverables.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, regulatory expectations, manufacturing compliance, and drug product development.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence teams without direct authority.
• Strategic thinking, business acumen, creativity, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and solve complex problems with rigor.
• Business process design, business process implementation, business process improvements, clinical manufacturing, clinical supplies management, clinical trial management, data analysis, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), pharmaceutical manufacturing, pharmaceutical sciences, regulatory compliance, risk management, root cause analysis (RCA), solid dosage forms, and vendor management.

Nice To Haves

• Direct drug product manufacturing, specialized scientific, or device development experience.
• Experience leading business process optimization, continuous improvement, or transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with SAP for material build and transactions.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate formulation, device, process development, and clinical manufacturing activities at contract research and manufacturing organizations.
• Provide manufacturing, compliance, and execution expertise to project teams; manage timelines, deliverables, risks, and issue resolution.
• Develop project requests for proposals; evaluate responses and recommend vendors based on technical fit, unit operations, safety classification, capacity, timing, geography, and clinical supply needs.
• Identify, establish, and maintain trusted vendor relationships aligned with pipeline needs across oral formulation, sterile and specialty products, device development, and discovery pharmaceutical sciences.
• Support technology evaluations through external partner discussions, confidentiality agreements, technical information exchange, and guidance on appropriate scope and agreement structure.
• Collaborate across scientific and operational functions to optimize externalization activities, improve workflows, and advance portfolio-level operational excellence.
• Provide business and logistical support for non-manufacturing activities, including device development, device evaluation, and process development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employees and families.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Domestic relocation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director