Head of LS DDIT Portfolio Management

Merck•Burlington, MA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role oversees strategic portfolio management for Life Science DDIT, ensuring alignment with business objectives and effective execution of the $100M+ Life Science Business project portfolio. The position involves coordinating project planning, evaluating execution approaches, managing financial aspects, leading a global team, and communicating with stakeholders. The Head of LS DDIT Portfolio Management will align IT initiatives with business objectives, manage the strategic portfolio, promote collaboration and innovation, and support executive decision-making through financial management and reporting. This role drives transformational projects that create significant value for the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Informatics, Business Administration, or related discipline
At least 10 years of experience in Project Management, with a proven track record in Agile, traditional waterfall, SAFE and other project methodologies
Established Expertise in Finance and Controlling processes, Portfolio Management, KPI management, and analytical skills
Extensive experience with top management interactions and leading teams in a matrix in an international environment
Extensive IT knowledge and experience with modern collaboration platforms, MS Excel, and analytical tools (i.e., Power BI, Smartsheet)
Excellent spoken and written English
External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.
This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Project Management certification (PMI) preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Oversee strategic portfolio management for Life Science DDIT, ensuring alignment with business objectives and effective execution of the $100M+ Life Science Business project portfolio.
Coordinate project planning activities with L2s, Business Relationship Managers, Business Unit Portfolio Managers, and Project Managers across M&S, Quality & Regulatory, R&D and Manufacturing.
Evaluate and determine the appropriate approach for project execution, balancing traditional waterfall methodologies with agile practices to suit the needs of various initiatives.
Execute and refine the yearly budget planning process in close collaboration with the Life Science DDIT Leadership Team, Business, IT Controlling, Business Controlling, and IT Governance.
Manage and report on the overall health of all projects, ensuring alignment on all portfolio-related financials.
Lead a global team of Portfolio Mgmt., driving an effective demand management and project prioritization process.
Foster collaboration within the team to create transparency on portfolios and budgets.
Serve as a key member of Life Science DDIT team leading strategic Portfolio management and steer transformational projects.
Regularly communicate and present to both the LSDDIT LT and other stakeholders, enhancing collaboration across teams.
Align IT initiatives with business objectives within the Life Science DDIT Business Unit.
Manages the strategic portfolio for Life Science DDIT, integrating agile and traditional methodologies for effective project execution.
Promotes collaboration and innovation through leadership of the LS DDIT office, enabling swift responses to market demands.
Supports informed decision-making at the executive level through strong financial management and reporting.
Drives transformational projects that create significant value for the organization.