Director, US Quality (Analytical Technical Solutions) Lead

MSD•Millsboro, DE

10d•$156,900 - $247,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director ATS (Analytical Technical Solutions) US Lead shapes the manufacturing and testing organization in line with company strategy and serves as a member of the global ATS leadership team. The role leads and develops the team, plans and executes the ATS project portfolio across multiple sites and platforms, and participates in governance to ensure progress and deliverables meet company priorities. It requires an end-to-end understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, including operations, process, analytical, supply, financial, and other dependencies. The role is part of an integrated team responsible for developing, planning, and executing regional company strategy. It oversees and reports on the team's analytical activities and is accountable for organizational development, portfolio execution, partner engagement, and team performance. The position is based primarily in De Soto, Kansas, with a hybrid work arrangement, day shift, and 25% travel. Domestic relocation is offered; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in analytical, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biological, or analytical science, or equivalent job experience.
10–15 years of experience in research, manufacture, and testing of pharmaceutical and/or biological products, including sound knowledge of key analytical technologies.
Experience in method development and validation, method robustness, and method transfer.
In-depth experience and a proven track record shaping, developing, and leading multiple teams and employees in matrix organizations.
Strong background in project execution and demonstrated leadership skills.
Ability to lead and drive multifaceted projects in a complex environment.
Communication, networking, and behavioral skills appropriate to the role.
Ability to advocate, lobby, and build alliances across the organization.
End-to-end understanding of pharmaceutical business processes and holistic thinking.
Flexibility in working schedules and willingness to travel.
Analytical method development, analytical thinking, cGMP compliance, decision making, driving continuous improvement, execution excellence, people leadership, pharmaceutical quality control, stakeholder management, and technology transfer skills.
Valid driving license.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Regulatory compliance skills.

Responsibilities

Manage, plan, shape, and develop the organization.
Plan organizational needs and capabilities to meet business requirements in alignment with partners and the lead.
Plan team staffing and budget.
Select and hire team members; establish reporting and team governance; develop and coach employees as needed.
Coordinate project execution, cross-functional alignment, metrics, and reporting for the analytical project portfolio.
Set targets, deliver milestones, and report progress in tier and governance meetings.
Monitor the quality and timeliness of project progress and deliverables.
Identify portfolio gaps and needs that could affect achievement of strategy, and mitigate issues or drive their resolution.
Serve as a clear and visible point of contact for partners and customers on analytical topics.
Understand colleagues' business priorities and needs, manage expectations, and provide transparency on work prioritization and timelines.
Represent the team and its progress in senior leader meetings and recommend direction.
Gather customer input and turn it into actionable insights to enhance the organization.
Develop and report team performance metrics for inline analytical support, method remediation, robustness and improvement, site-to-site transfers, and new product commercialization transfers.
Ensure team priorities align with local Site Management, Quality Operations, and Regional Heads at regional sites.
Own, oversee, and report on analytical activities undertaken by the team.