Associate Director, Global Clinical Trial Manager

Merck Group$145K — $200K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, project management, or a related discipline
  • 8+ years in drug development within the global pharmaceutical industry
  • 5+ years in clinical drug development or project management within a pharmaceutical or CRO environment
  • Master's degree preferred
  • Professional Project Management certification (e.g., PMP) desirable

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional project management activities for Clinical Teams from First in Human through market launch
  • Collaborate with the Global Clinical Lead to track development program activities
  • Organize Clinical Team meetings and ensure high-quality documentation
  • Assist in managing risks related to clinical activities
  • Support the creation of data packages for governance interactions
  • Coordinate information flow and alignment among stakeholders
  • Act as a change agent for continuous improvement initiatives

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Potential for sales or performance-based bonuses
Full Job Description
Location:

The Associate Director, Global Clinical Trial Manager is a hybrid position (3 days onsite, 2 days remote) located in the Boston area (Billerica). There will be minimal travel, possibly domestic and international, to meet business needs.

Your Role:

Reporting to the Head of Compound Operational Leads, the Global Clinical Team Manager (GCTM) has a key organizational role in supporting the Global Clinical Lead (GCL) by facilitating the management and delivery of cross-functional Clinical Team (CT) efforts.

The GCTM partners with the GCL to support activities that ensure the seamless translation of strategic elements of the Integrated Evidence Plan (IEP) into actionable clinical strategies and Clinical Development Plans. The role requires close collaboration with various functional sub-teams to ensure the delivery and integration of their functional plans (e.g. Biomarker Plan, Clinical Pharmacology Plan).

GCTMs serve as the operational enablers of the CT - ensuring that cross-functional plans are integrated, governance interactions are well-prepared and outcomes are clearly communicated, and any risk to program timelines are addressed through CT discussion and management. By maintaining accuracy of program timelines, budgets, and risk registers, this role directly protects the integrity of clinical development plans and enables faster, better-informed decisions at governance level.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead cross-functional project management activities for one or more Clinical Team(s) (CT) from First in Human through market launch to life-cycle management, with the goal of bringing new medicines to patients.
  • Collaborate with the GCL and the members of the CT to faciliate and track the activities required to develop, plan, and execute competitive development programs ensuring timely decision points and milestones.
  • Organize CT meetings, including preparation of high quality agendas and minutes in timely manner, and follow up on action items.
  • Assist the GCL in managing risks to cost, timelines, and quality of program-wide clinical activities, as needed.
  • Collaborate with CT members to support the development of high-quality data packages and presentations for governance and committee interactions to enable fast decision-making.
  • Support the CT members in preparing and updating key strategic documents, as needed.
  • Organize and coordinate information flow within the CT and across other stakeholders to ensure alignment and leverage best practices.
  • Liaise with the Global Program Head (GPH) and Program Management Lead (PML) to ensure consistent communication and coordination.
  • Manage internal and external clinical program reporting and communication, ensuring transparency and timeliness, in alignment with the GCL.
  • Act as a change agent, driving continuous improvement and implementation of transformational initiatives within the CT.
  • Support coordination of adhoc cross-functional team meetings and task forces to address and resolve issues, when required.
  • Partner with GCL to proactively manage and follow-up with cross-functional team members.
  • Oversee program management activities to support the timely delivery of the programs clinical development plan.
  • Contribute to organization-wide and functional initiatives or represents the department effectively on cross-functional teams to enhance the broader organization.


Scope of People Responsibility:

No direct reports. Coordinates and facilitates the CT through matrix leadership, aligning cross-functional team members and program stakeholders without formal line authority. Acts as the operational backbone of the CT under the direction of the GCL.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, project management, or a related discipline
  • 8+ years of experience in drug development in the global pharmaceutical industry
  • Minimum 5+ years of experience in clinical drug development, project management, or clinical program coordination in a pharmaceutical or CRO environment


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree preferred in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, project management, or a related discipline
  • Professional Project Management certification (e.g., PMP) desirable
  • Demonstrated experience facilitating cross-functional teams and managing meeting logistics, action tracking, and governance documentation
  • Familiarity with clinical development processes, key documents (protocols, CSRs, IBs), and governance structures
  • Strong proficiency of the cross-functional drug development process and critical thinking (product positioning, competitive landscape, project strategy)
  • Robust leadership skills including situational leadership and ability to influence without authority with clear potential for leadership roles in the future
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient in managing the project management triangle & navigating / coordinating cross-functionally. Advanced ability to manage project complexity and execution


Pay range for this position: $145,000 - $200,000

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

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Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

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Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

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Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

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Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

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