Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Director, Project Management - Chemistry Manufacturing & Controls (CMC) (HYBRID)

Merck & Co, Inc • $142K — $224K *
Rahway, NJ 07065In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific or applied discipline preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of project management experience
  • Experience with drug/vaccine product registration and commercialization
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to serve as a resource for colleagues
  • Effective interpersonal skills for cross-team collaboration
  • Ability to adapt to a dynamic environment

Responsibilities

  • Manage end-to-end CMC development process and complex projects
  • Guide teams in creating and executing integrated project plans
  • Build and maintain project schedules for key functional areas
  • Leverage relationships to enhance team dynamics and drive results
  • Navigate corporate processes to support informed decision-making
  • Lead team meetings with detailed agendas and follow-up actions
  • Support departmental initiatives to improve work interaction
  • Provide mentorship and oversight to project managers

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement
  • Participation in departmental initiatives
  • Opportunities for mentorship and professional development
  • Networking across cross-functional teams
Full Job Description
Job Description

Under the guidance of the CIPM Director & Portfolio Lead, the core responsibility of this individual will be to lead project management efforts to support Chemistry Manufacturing & Controls (CMC) product development from First in Human to Transfer to Supply, driving line of sight across the development lifecycle and maintaining programs in harmony with the portfolio. In addition, the Associate Director will be expected to participate in development of tools and processes to support holistic portfolio management and increased integration of CMC and Clinical strategies.

Position Description/Summary:

The CIPM Associate Director, Project Manager, is a core member of DCTs, partnering with team leads to develop strategies and execute our Company's drug and vaccine development efforts to progress the R&D pipeline. The Associate Director is expected to provide project management leadership and drive cross-functional teams with sufficient influence and proficiency in project management to take on challenging assignments with minimal guidance. Projects could span the full CMC development continuum from Line of Sight to First in Human to Transfer to Supply stage-gates.

This position may be based in either Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd, PA.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Manage the end-to-end CMC development process, including projects of significant complexity; drive cross-functional teams and lead by influence to develop comprehensive strategies and ensure successful execution.
  • Act as an enterprise leader by guiding teams through the creation, approval, and execution of integrated project plans appropriate to the project's phase of development and complexity. Drive development of a CMC strategy that is optimized for the portfolio.
  • Build and maintain project schedules and critical project information, using these tools to integrate activities across key functional areas, proactively identify risks, and ensure clear and effective communication with key team, management, and cross-departmental stakeholders.
  • Leverage relationships and networks to improve and enhance team dynamics, proactively identifying and removing obstacles to drive business results.
  • Navigate our company process and organizational norms to enable teams to understand corporate governance and business requirements, thereby enabling informed decision-making.
  • Lead key team meetings including creating thoughtful agendas, ensuring appropriate participation, contributing project management insights, and following up to ensure the team continues to make progress while holding others accountable.
  • Participate in CIPM and GPAM departmental initiatives and workstreams aimed at improving the way that we work and the way that we interact with one another as well as other departments.
  • Provide mentoring, coaching, and oversight to Specialist and Senior Specialist project managers working on common projects, sharing lessons learned and best practices to positively impact the community.
  • Support multiple projects providing team management, stakeholder management, and governance preparation support to DCT teams.


Required Education, Experience, and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree required; concentration in a scientific or applied discipline preferred
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in project management or a related role required
  • Experience with the planning and execution of strategies for drug / vaccine product registration and commercialization / life-cycle management (can be R&D, manufacturing, or commercial perspective), with demonstrated ability to translate knowledge and expertise to other development teams and areas.
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written. Knows when and how to speak up and appropriately raise issues to team and to management. Keeps both team members, departmental colleagues (as appropriate), and management fully apprised of project initiative status and issues at the right level of detail
  • Demonstrated ability to serve as a resource for colleagues and program teams.
  • Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across different teams and networks; able to foster cooperation in others, using the different perspectives of others to generate ideas.
  • Ability to succeed in a dynamic environment with flexibility to respond to changing priorities


Preferred Experience and Skills:
  • Advanced scientific degree (e.g., MS, MBA, Ph.D., PharmD) preferred
  • Experience and knowledge of clinical drug development strongly preferred; including the different phases of development and how the various functional areas contribute to a comprehensive strategy
  • Project management certification (PMP) and/or formal coursework/training in project management strongly preferred


#eligibleforERP

GPAMjobs

#VETJOBS

Required Skills:
Clinical Research, Cross-Functional Leadership, Cross-Functional Project Management, Overcome Obstacles, Project Facilitation, Project Leadership, Project Management, Project Management Leadership, Project Planning, Project Tracking, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking

Preferred Skills:
CMC Development, CMC Strategy, Drug Development

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
n/a

Job Posting End Date:
09/18/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

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Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

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Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

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With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ
MRK
* Ladders Estimates

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