Director, Development Project Management (Hybrid)

Merck • North Wales, PA

4d • $173,200 - $272,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

Global Project and Alliance Management (GPAM) is part of the Research & Development Division (R&D). Development Project Managers in GPAM are integral members of development teams, driving cross-functional teams to deliver projects and products that enhance human health and business. This Staff Manager role, under the broad guidance of the Executive Director, GPAM, will primarily focus on the direct management of Development Project Managers. This includes understanding their projects and developing their expertise in drug/vaccine/biologics development, governance, and team processes. The role also involves monitoring the quality of project management deliverables and assigning accountability for fundamental project management practices to support broader business objectives. Additionally, this position will independently manage development programs and/or due diligence/business development activities, regardless of complexity, phase, or program type, leveraging direct experience or the ability to adapt prior experiences to new situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Eight (8) years of experience in PM or related role/expertise in pharma and/or biotech or related role in product development/pharma/biotech
• Demonstrated ability to manage resources, time, and budget effectively for given projects; is business savvy and results oriented.
• Six (6) years of experience in direct people management or demonstrated experience building/cultivating talent
• Planning and execution of strategies for drug/vaccine product registration and commercialization/life-cycle management (can be R&D, manufacturing or commercial perspective), with demonstrated ability to translate knowledge and expertise to other development teams and areas
• Sufficient skill levels and technical comprehension of product development to be recognized as a project management/product development expert within the broader organization
• Proven ability to evaluate, integrate, recommend, contribute to development of conceptual plans for, and guide implementation of, strategic, process, and team improvement and change initiatives cross-functionally
• Effective at motivating and energizing others, establishing clear goals, delegating responsibility, mentoring and coaching within a team setting
• Demonstrated situational leadership and creative problem solving within department and teams
• Able to comprehend project details, but keep overall “big picture” view of projects, priorities, and strategies
• High emotional intelligence with strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Knows when and how to speak up and appropriately raise issues to team and to management.
• Keeps both team members, departmental colleagues (as appropriate), and management fully apprised of project initiative status and issues.
• Change Management
• Clinical Supply Chain Management
• Clinical Trial Management
• Decision Making
• Feasibility Studies
• People Leadership
• Pharmaceutical Product Development
• Portfolio Management
• Process Improvements
• Results-Oriented
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Planning
• Strategic Thinking
• Vendor Management

Nice To Haves

• Degree concentration in a scientific-related discipline
• Project Management certification / training (PMP) and / or coursework & training in Project Management
• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS, PharmD, Ph.D.)
• Twelve (12) years of experience preferred, or equivalent combination of advanced education and relevant experience and/or training.
• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
• US and Puerto Rico Residents Only
• San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
• Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation: No relocation
• VISA Sponsorship: No
• Travel Requirements: 10%
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid
• Shift: Not Indicated
• Valid Driving License: No
• Hazardous Material(s): n/a
• Job Posting End Date: 04/12/2026
• 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.
• Requisition ID:R392516

Responsibilities

• Line manage Development Project Managers
• Coach junior staff in managing development projects, including team dynamics, stages of development, functional input interaction, and PM skills.
• Lead change by communicating the 'what and why,' ensuring understanding, and holding staff accountable for adoption.
• Drive innovation by challenging assumptions, experimenting, learning from outcomes, and scaling impactful ideas.
• Align and set individual priorities, establish measurable outcomes, track progress, and assign clear ownership for deliverables.
• Objectively and accurately assess employees' skills, capabilities, and performance.
• Provide timely, specific, and appropriate feedback on performance, development needs, and progress.
• Check for understanding of and commitment to performance and development goals.
• Modulate coaching style based on individual understanding, experience, and performance level.
• Address unacceptable performance or behavior on the team promptly.
• Surface and productively resolve conflict among team members.
• Model emotional intelligence, foster inclusion and psychological safety, recognize contributions, and inspire high performance.
• Prepare for and participate in Talent Sessions and Calibrations.
• Ensure compliance with training, policy, and procedures.
• Independently manage development projects and/or due diligence efforts of any type, irrespective of phase, complexity, priority, or involvement with an alliance partner.
• Ensure PM standards are employed across projects.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects requiring extensive product development experience and comprehension of company procedures and policies.
• Contribute to departmental, cross-divisional, or major corporate change projects related to optimizing capabilities, systems, operations, or improving team/development processes.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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