Merck
Director, Technical Operations Planning (Onsite)
Company: Merck
Location: West Point, PA
Salary Range: $153,800 – $242,200
Job Description The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization within the company’s Research Laboratories manages the end‑to‑end clinical supply chain for the company’s portfolio of 300+ Phase I–IV clinical trials, 200+ investigator‑initiated studies and 200+ external collaborations. GCS is accountable for planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to sites in over 60 countries, in compliance with worldwide regulations, company policies and SOPs.
The Director, Technical Operations Planning is a strategic team leader and technical expert within the Global Operations Planning Team. The ideal candidate should have a passion for operational excellence and a proven track record of continuous improvement of processes, systems, and talent development across globally dispersed, culturally diverse teams.
Key Immediate Needs and Opportunities
Integrating teams across the US and Switzerland, implementing a new operating model and ways of working.
Lead a team of technical experts responsible for:
CSO Compliance Operations
CSO Integration Operations
Global Site Scheduling
Process ownership, KPIs, investigations & CAPAs for Operations Planning
Proactively identifying operational risks and implementing data‑driven mitigation strategies to ensure strong operational performance.
Embedding business process continuous improvement to enhance efficiency with required responsiveness and flexibility to project‑specific needs.
Seek opportunities for innovation and efficiency, removing barriers for the team and supporting change initiatives.
Primary Activities (including but not limited to)
Support strategic plans by defining priorities, establishing KPIs, and driving change initiatives and process improvements.
Continuously optimize assets, processes and resources across the supply chain to maintain compliance and achieve operational excellence.
Ensure a coordinated scheduling process across sites, influence siting decisions, ensure productivity targets are met and provide direction to address scheduling conflicts.
Engage with inspectors/auditors to review processes, coordinate responses to observations and lead implementation of CAPA.
Lead integration of complex BD assets (e.g. new external sites, complex packaging) and provide guidance to team for operational execution.
Lead complex, cross‑functional investigations and provide guidance to team on problem‑solving and effective CAPA.
Lead implementation and adoption of new systems and tools within Operations Planning to deliver digital strategy.
Lead operational simplification efforts with external sites to enable speed, flexibility and cost opportunities.
Inspire and motivate teams by setting high‑performance expectations and fostering a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement.
Experience and Skills
Degree (BSc, MSc, MBA, PhD) in Life Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration or related discipline.
Experience (10+ years) in pharmaceutical, biotechnology or medical devices with proven success in project management and team leadership.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage complex projects and deliver innovative solutions.
Strong communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
Adaptable and resilient, with a track record of performing under pressure and fostering collaboration across globally diverse teams.
Collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver integrated solutions.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and drive evidence‑based decisions.
Proficiency in English (verbal and written) at a professional working level.
Required Skills Accountability, Audit Preparations, Business Process Improvements, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, Customer Alignment, Customer‑Focused, Data Compilation, Detail‑Oriented, Dispatching, Driving Continuous Improvement, Financial Forecasting, Inventory Control Management, Key Performance Indicators, Materials Procurement, Medical Supply Management, Motivating Teams, Negotiation, Operational Excellence, Operational Risk Assessment, Outsourcing, People Leadership, Problem Solving, Process Optimization.
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only US and Puerto Rico residents only.
Hybrid Work Model – U.S. Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model consisting of three total days on‑site per week (Monday‑Thursday, with Friday remote), unless business‑critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based or research‑based positions or positions covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement unless the agreement provides for hybrid work, nor to roles designated as “remote.”
Travel Requirements 10%
Requisition ID R375522
Job Posting End Date 12/23/2025
EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other U.S. State Acts.
Important Hiring Information Location: West Point, PA
Employment type: Full‑time
Seniority Level: Director
Job Function: Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing
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Location: West Point, PA
Salary Range: $153,800 – $242,200
Job Description The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization within the company’s Research Laboratories manages the end‑to‑end clinical supply chain for the company’s portfolio of 300+ Phase I–IV clinical trials, 200+ investigator‑initiated studies and 200+ external collaborations. GCS is accountable for planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to sites in over 60 countries, in compliance with worldwide regulations, company policies and SOPs.
The Director, Technical Operations Planning is a strategic team leader and technical expert within the Global Operations Planning Team. The ideal candidate should have a passion for operational excellence and a proven track record of continuous improvement of processes, systems, and talent development across globally dispersed, culturally diverse teams.
Key Immediate Needs and Opportunities
Integrating teams across the US and Switzerland, implementing a new operating model and ways of working.
Lead a team of technical experts responsible for:
CSO Compliance Operations
CSO Integration Operations
Global Site Scheduling
Process ownership, KPIs, investigations & CAPAs for Operations Planning
Proactively identifying operational risks and implementing data‑driven mitigation strategies to ensure strong operational performance.
Embedding business process continuous improvement to enhance efficiency with required responsiveness and flexibility to project‑specific needs.
Seek opportunities for innovation and efficiency, removing barriers for the team and supporting change initiatives.
Primary Activities (including but not limited to)
Support strategic plans by defining priorities, establishing KPIs, and driving change initiatives and process improvements.
Continuously optimize assets, processes and resources across the supply chain to maintain compliance and achieve operational excellence.
Ensure a coordinated scheduling process across sites, influence siting decisions, ensure productivity targets are met and provide direction to address scheduling conflicts.
Engage with inspectors/auditors to review processes, coordinate responses to observations and lead implementation of CAPA.
Lead integration of complex BD assets (e.g. new external sites, complex packaging) and provide guidance to team for operational execution.
Lead complex, cross‑functional investigations and provide guidance to team on problem‑solving and effective CAPA.
Lead implementation and adoption of new systems and tools within Operations Planning to deliver digital strategy.
Lead operational simplification efforts with external sites to enable speed, flexibility and cost opportunities.
Inspire and motivate teams by setting high‑performance expectations and fostering a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement.
Experience and Skills
Degree (BSc, MSc, MBA, PhD) in Life Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration or related discipline.
Experience (10+ years) in pharmaceutical, biotechnology or medical devices with proven success in project management and team leadership.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage complex projects and deliver innovative solutions.
Strong communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
Adaptable and resilient, with a track record of performing under pressure and fostering collaboration across globally diverse teams.
Collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver integrated solutions.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and drive evidence‑based decisions.
Proficiency in English (verbal and written) at a professional working level.
Required Skills Accountability, Audit Preparations, Business Process Improvements, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, Customer Alignment, Customer‑Focused, Data Compilation, Detail‑Oriented, Dispatching, Driving Continuous Improvement, Financial Forecasting, Inventory Control Management, Key Performance Indicators, Materials Procurement, Medical Supply Management, Motivating Teams, Negotiation, Operational Excellence, Operational Risk Assessment, Outsourcing, People Leadership, Problem Solving, Process Optimization.
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only US and Puerto Rico residents only.
Hybrid Work Model – U.S. Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model consisting of three total days on‑site per week (Monday‑Thursday, with Friday remote), unless business‑critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based or research‑based positions or positions covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement unless the agreement provides for hybrid work, nor to roles designated as “remote.”
Travel Requirements 10%
Requisition ID R375522
Job Posting End Date 12/23/2025
EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other U.S. State Acts.
Important Hiring Information Location: West Point, PA
Employment type: Full‑time
Seniority Level: Director
Job Function: Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr