Associate Director, Project Management

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

3d•$129,000 - $203,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Project Manager, Manufacturing Network Strategy, works under the direction of the Network Strategy & Execution Director to assess, lead, and manage end-to-end project management of major and complex supply-chain changes. The role drives cross-divisional and cross-functional teams to deliver targeted goals and timelines, define business requirements, and achieve project objectives through effective project management. Projects may include establishing new sources of supply for registered materials or managing portfolios of complex process changes with regulatory impact. The position manages business cases and project portfolios, defines requirements for validation, regulatory filings and inventory transitions, and proactively identifies and mitigates risks. The Associate Director coordinates communication and execution across projects, aligns teams to resolve issues, shares best practices, and leads virtual teams through influence, interpersonal skills, and accountability. The role requires maintaining focus on project goals while engaging with details to facilitate problem resolution, and working effectively with Global Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Safety (GRACS). The position is hybrid, based primarily in West Point, Pennsylvania, with 10% travel. The stated salary range for the primary location is $129,000 to $203,100, with eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field.
At least eight years of combined and diverse experience in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Technology, Regulatory, or Procurement, with a demonstrated record of solid achievements.
Experience working in both strategic and tactical settings.
Demonstrated project-management, leadership, communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
Ability to manage virtual teams and work effectively across functions and levels.
Cultural sensitivity and effectiveness in diverse environments.
Demonstrated conflict resolution, problem-solving, accountability, and risk-management capabilities.
Understanding of and commitment to compliance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with product source changes and change control.
Proficiency in Microsoft Project.
Flexibility with working schedule and availability to travel.
Experience with vaccines, biologics, therapeutic proteins, or sterile products.
Experience working with Global Human Health and third-party partners.

Responsibilities

Understand the requirements of complex business cases for assigned changes.
Continually assess key business elements throughout the project life cycle to ensure business goals remain relevant and escalate as required.
Own and develop detailed project plans for assigned changes using standard tools, ensuring alignment and coordination of cross-functional groups.
Manage multiple high-complexity projects with global supply-chain impacts and many interdependencies.
Lead and execute projects in multifaceted environments with small to large cross-functional teams.
Define business requirements for validation, regulatory filing, inventory builds, and inventory transition plans to a new source of supply or for post-change supply.
Proactively identify and mitigate risks and participate in Integrated Risk Management (IRM).
Identify and raise issues and conflicting agendas or priorities for timely resolution; align teams to solve problems.
Apply innovative thinking to risk mitigation and comply with applicable requirements.
Ensure inter-project communication and integrated execution.
Promote consistency and share best practices.
Manage virtual teams and influence stakeholders horizontally and vertically.
Maintain focus on project goals and priorities while engaging with details to facilitate problem resolution and project success.
Build effective working relationships with Global Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Safety (GRACS).
Demonstrate conflict resolution, problem-solving, raising concerns, and accountability.