Director - Resource Forecasting & Analytics

Merck • Billerica, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Resource Forecasting & Analytics is a senior business partner role at the forefront of data-driven decision-making within our global Healthcare R&D organization. You will operate with high autonomy as a trusted strategic advisor to senior R&D leaders — translating complex resource data into actionable intelligence that directly shapes portfolio decisions and drives operational performance. You will own the design and delivery of sophisticated forecasting models and analytics solutions, influence senior stakeholders across functions and geographies through the strength of your expertise, and play a central role in evolving the analytical frameworks that underpin R&D-wide resource management. This is an exceptional opportunity for an analytically excellent, strategically minded professional to operate at the heart of one of the world's leading science and technology companies — driving meaningful impact on how we plan, allocate, and optimize our most critical R&D asset: our people.

Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant experience in biopharma R&D resource forecasting, business analytics, data science, or R&D project and portfolio management
• Academic degree in a scientific, medical, business, or data science-related field
• Fluency in English required

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience as a strategic business partner to senior leaders in a complex, matrixed R&D environment
• Track record of delivering high-complexity analytics initiatives with measurable business impact — from problem framing through to insight delivery and stakeholder adoption
• Deep understanding of the biopharma R&D value chain and portfolio management , with the ability to connect resource data to broader pipeline strategy and investment decisions
• Hands-on expertise with Enterprise Project Portfolio Management tools , particularly Planisware or equivalent platforms
• Advanced proficiency in analytics and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau) and/or predictive modeling, combined with strong Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Familiarity with AI/ML methodologies and a genuine appetite for integrating emerging technologies into forecasting and analytics workflows
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills , with demonstrated ability to address high-complexity, cross-functional challenges with rigor and clarity
• Outstanding communication and storytelling skills , with the ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives for senior and executive audiences
• Proven ability to influence and drive outcomes through matrix authority across multiple functions and geographies — without relying on formal line management power
• Strong organizational discipline and quality focus , with the ability to manage multiple high-priority workstreams simultaneously
• Master's degree, MBA, and/or PhD strongly preferred
• Additional language skills (e.g., German) are a plus

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior business partner and trusted advisor to R&D functional leaders, providing expert guidance on resource allocation, capacity planning, and portfolio trade-offs
• Lead the design, development, and delivery of sophisticated analytics solutions and forecasting models that address high-complexity, cross-functional business questions
• Drive continuous evolution of forecasting methodologies, algorithms, and analytical capabilities to meet changing R&D operating models and stakeholder needs
• Own the quality, integrity, and governance of resource forecasting data — defining and enforcing standards across functions and geographies
• Translate complex portfolio assumptions and resource demand signals into robust, scenario-based forecasts that support senior leadership decision-making
• Lead cross-functional working groups to align forecasting practices, resolve data quality issues, and drive adoption of best practices across R&D
• Integrate advanced analytics, AI, and data science approaches into existing business processes to enhance insight generation and operational efficiency
• Manage and evolve time tracking quality and role breakdown structures, ensuring reliability, compliance, and organizational alignment
• Lead the evolution of resource management literacy across selected R&D functional lines of business, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making
• Cultivate trust-based relationships with teams responsible for upstream and downstream processes — including Planning, Controlling, and HR
• Deliver outcomes across multiple R&D functions and regions without formal line authority, building coalitions and driving alignment through expertise and credibility
• Contribute to external thought leadership and represent the function in relevant industry forums and expert networks

Benefits

• health insurance
• paid time off (PTO)
• retirement contributions

What This Job Offers

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