Associate Director, Learning & Development (Hybrid - Upper Gwynedd, PA)

MSD • North Wales, PA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director of Ophthalmic Learning & Development to lead the design and execution of end-to-end strategic learning plans for product launches and ongoing commercial learning execution. This leader will define learning strategy, help design launch workshops and curricula, establish measurement frameworks, and partner cross-functionally to ensure learning drives desired business outcomes for our new launch asset in Ophthalmology.

Requirements

• Proven leadership designing strategic learning programs in regulated industries (Ophthalmology pharma/biotech/healthcare preferred).
• Deep expertise in instructional design methodologies, adult learning principles, and curriculum development.
• Strong experience creating and facilitating or overseeing launch workshops and multi-day immersive training programs.
• Demonstrated ability to define and implement learning measurement frameworks and link learning to business outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills; ability to work effectively at senior levels across functions.
• Strong project and program management skills — able to manage complex timelines, budgets, and cross-functional dependencies.
• Analytical mindset with experience using data to drive decisions; comfortable with KPI development and reporting.
• Change management experience — able to design learning that supports adoption and behavior change in the field.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; capable presenter and facilitator.
• Strong business acumen — understands Ophthalmic pharma market commercial drivers and how learning interventions translate to performance.
• Ability to travel as required for in-person workshops and stakeholder engagement.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, or currently in pursuit of degree completion, or equivalent relevant work experience in Human Resources, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 10+ years of related experience (8+ years with Master’s degree)
• Experience in the area of Ophthalmology in either a sales or learning/education capacity.
• Adult Learning Principles
• Adult Learning Theory
• Attendance Tracking
• Blended Learning
• Business Acumen
• Content Creation
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Customer-Support
• Customized Training
• Data Analysis
• Design Education
• Facilitate Training Sessions
• Instructional Design
• Insurance
• Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
• Oncology Marketing
• Ophthalmology
• Organizational Development (OD)
• Product Management Leadership
• Product Strategies
• Sales Training
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Thinking

Nice To Haves

• Experience in learning, talent, HR, or comparable areas; experience in applicable technical/professional areas pertinent to the division / function served
• Experience in facilitating & delivering learning solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive, end-to-end strategic learning plans that align with product strategy, commercial objectives, regulatory requirements, and customer needs.
• Assist design and development of launch workshop curricula and associated learning assets (facilitator guides, participant materials, job aids, e-learning modules, assessments, simulations, and virtual instructor-led content).
• Define learning pathways for different roles (field sales, medical science liaisons, customer support, market access) and for different phases (pre-launch, launch, post-launch, in-line maintenance).
• Establish measurement and evaluation frameworks (performance metrics, behavioral indicators, business KPIs) and implement a plan to collect, analyze, and report learning impact.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders — sales and product leadership, commercial training, HR/Talent, Medical, Regulatory, Marketing, Sales Operations — to align content, timing, and rollout logistics.
• Lead pilot programs and continuous improvement cycles using learner feedback, performance data, storytelling, and A/B testing of methodologies.
• Provide thought leadership on adult learning theory, blended learning approaches, digital enablement (microlearning, virtual labs, simulations), and change management practices.
• Manage, mentor and grow a high-performing team of L&D professionals; set priorities, develop talent, and ensure effective cross-functional collaboration.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
• More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees