Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

2d•$255,800 - $402,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Shape the Future of Vaccines We are seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development, a highly visible role responsible for providing strategic, scientific, and organizational leadership across our vaccine portfolio. This individual will define and drive drug product strategy from early development through commercialization, helping bring innovative vaccines to patients worldwide. As a key leader, you will influence portfolio direction, guide critical investment and launch-readiness decisions, and build the organizational capabilities needed to meet both current and future business priorities. This is a unique opportunity to lead at the intersection of science, strategy, and people development while shaping the future of vaccine innovation. The successful candidate is a visionary leader with deep expertise in vaccine and sterile drug product development, a passion for developing talent, and a proven ability to drive results through collaboration, influence, and transformational leadership.

Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
12+ years of experience in vaccine, biologics, or sterile drug product development.
Significant experience leading vaccine or sterile drug product strategy across development, CMC, regulatory, technology transfer, and launch-readiness activities.
Demonstrated success leading organizations, influencing across functions, and contributing to portfolio, resource, and investment decisions.
Strong understanding of vaccine development, sterile manufacturing, and commercialization within a regulated environment.
Deep expertise in vaccine and sterile drug product development, including formulation, process development, manufacturing, CMC strategy, regulatory submissions, and commercialization.
Demonstrated success leading scientific and technical organizations through growth, transformation, and change.
Strong commitment to talent development, coaching, succession planning, and fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued.
Strategic business mindset with the ability to connect clinical development, CMC, and commercialization to achieve successful product launches and reliable supply.
Proven ability to build alignment, influence stakeholders, and drive cross-functional collaboration in complex matrix organizations.
Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical, risk management, and problem-solving capabilities.
Track record of translating strategy into execution and delivering measurable outcomes.
High emotional intelligence with exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
Passion for innovation and continuous improvement, enabling teams to explore new ideas and create novel solutions.
Enterprise mindset focused on balancing patient impact, business priorities, and long-term organizational success.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Define and execute the strategic vision, priorities, and operating model for Vaccine Drug Product, ensuring alignment with portfolio, launch, and business objectives.
Shape vaccine drug product strategies that inform investment decisions, business cases, and commercialization plans.
Provide clear, data-driven recommendations to senior leadership by integrating scientific, technical, regulatory, operational, and business perspectives.
Anticipate future needs and build capabilities that position the organization for long-term success.
Lead vaccine drug product development from early strategy through commercial launch, including formulation, process development, sterile manufacturing, fill-finish, technology transfer, and lifecycle management.
Integrate critical vaccine development considerations into CMC strategies, including stability, potency, sterility assurance, presentation, cold-chain requirements, and regulatory expectations.
Partner across functions to ensure development programs are scientifically robust, operationally feasible, and commercially successful.
Build, develop, and inspire high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and inclusive leadership.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Lead multiple teams while balancing portfolio demands, capability development, operational excellence, and sustainable delivery.
Champion organizational transformation by identifying capability gaps and driving improvements in processes, structures, and ways of working.
Establish trusted partnerships across Development, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, Commercial, and external stakeholder communities.
Communicate with clarity and influence across all levels of the organization, including senior leaders and governance forums.
Build strong networks across industry, academia, and government organizations to advance strategic objectives and strengthen organizational capabilities.

Benefits

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

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