Director, Global Clinical Supply Planning, Project Management - Hybrid

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization is accountable for managing the 'end-to-end' integrated clinical supply chain across our Research & Development Division portfolio of clinical trials. GCS is accountable for the planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to clinical sites globally. The GCS Planning organization is the key interface between clinical development teams and the operational/executional arms within the business. The Program Clinical Supplies Project Manager (Program CSPM) serves as the primary program-level GCS point of contact representing the GCS Planning organization to customers both internal and external to GCS and serves as the lead GCS spokesperson at clinical and development related meetings. Working independently, the Program CSPM designs strategic and operational plans for all clinical supply activities associated with the clinical studies in their assigned compound(s)/ program(s). The incumbent must have demonstrated understanding of E2E product development process & connectivity between functions supporting pipeline (i.e. clinical development, CMC, supply chain, & human health), and balancing needs of patients & ensuring stable supply of product.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, business, or related discipline required, MS/MBA preferred.
At least 8 years of experience in project management.
At least 5 years of experience in planning, scheduling, coordination and processing of supply chain activities, or the equivalent.
Excellent Communication & Interpersonal Skills: ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at various levels, including cross-functional teams, senior management, external vendors, and clinical sites. Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills to ensure alignment and collaboration in the supply planning process.
Project Management Skills: strong knowledge of the principles of project management and clinical customer relationship management.
Technical Proficiency: familiarity with supply chain systems and software (e.g. SAP or Oracle) and demand planning principles as well as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Strong Analytical & Problem Solving Skills: ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize supply chain processes.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Demonstrates ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the capability to adapt quickly to changing business needs and priorities.
Detail Oriented & Organized: strong attention to detail in managing complex supply chain activities; ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive approach to identify process inefficiencies, develop solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the clinical supply planning function.
Proven record in project / portfolio management.
Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) is highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in using supply chain management systems and software, including experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP), demand planning tools, and inventory management systems.
Familiarity with data analytics/visualization software.
Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements, quality procedures, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) execution.

Responsibilities

Interacts closely with key partner organizations (as a lead GCS Planning program representative) such as clinical development, regulatory, quality and other supply chain areas to negotiate timelines, strategies and other related topics for all clinical supplies across all assigned program(s).
Responsible and accountable for establishing the timelines for bulk manufacturing needs and release of drug product across assigned program(s).
Works directly in the SAP system to establish a consolidated, visible forecast for all products used within the assigned program(s) (i.e. Bulk Drug Product).
Oversees all bulk drug supply management and ensures proper allocation of drug product as needed across studies within assigned program(s).
Responsible for identifying significant supply risks associated with clinical bulk activities in addition to serving in a lead role for clinical supply issue escalation within their program(s) (and subsequent manage thereof) to GCS Leadership.
Responsible for the clinical supply budget for respective program(s) and for supporting all protocol and program cost estimates requested by Product Development Teams.
Responsible for authoring clinical supply documentation in support of labeling and packaging activities as well as supply chain documentation to support critical CMC activities.
Support the collection of clinical supply chain metrics and/or participate in critical non-pipeline activities as a subject matter expert in a particular area of expertise.
Mentors new team members and supports staff development, as needed
Demonstrates high capability to solve unstructured problems, make informed risk decisions considering both technical & business risks, & influence portfolio decisions with facts and data
Demonstrates ability to balance strategy with ability for tactical execution and has strong ownership & accountability of assigned work
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of clinical supply planning processes and systems.
Stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to clinical supply planning and incorporate them into the team's operations.
Contribute to departmental strategy and participate in cross-functional projects as required by the therapeutic area leadership to drive continuous improvement & efficiency efforts.
Focus on Customers & Patients.
Make rapid, disciplined decisions.
Demonstrates Ethics & Integrity.