Merck & Co, Inc

Director, Development Project Management (Hybrid)

Merck & Co, Inc$173K — $272K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in a scientific-related field.
  • 8 years of project management experience in pharma/biotech; 12 years preferred.
  • Project Management certification (e.g., PMP) is highly valued.
  • Experience in talent management and coaching is crucial (6 years preferred).
  • Proven expertise in drug/vaccine product registration and commercialization is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Line manage and mentor Development Project Managers to enhance their project management abilities.
  • Drive change and innovation by effectively communicating project goals and methodologies.
  • Align team priorities and establish measurable outcomes for project deliverables.
  • Conduct regular performance assessments, providing timely and constructive feedback.
  • Resolve team conflicts proactively while promoting inclusion and psychological safety.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision) for employees and families.
  • 401(k) retirement benefits to support long-term financial health.
  • Generous paid holidays, vacation days, and sick leave.
  • Access to annual bonuses and long-term incentives based on performance.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Development Project Managers drive these cross-functional teams to deliver projects and products that improve human health and business.

Under the broad guidance of the Executive Director, GPAM, the core responsibility of this Staff Manger role will be direct management of Development Project Managers, including understanding their projects and developing their knowledge of drug/vaccine/biologics development, governance & team processes. The staff manager will be expected to monitor quality of project management deliverables and assign accountability for the maintenance of project management fundamental practices to staff in support of broader business goals.

This role will also independently manage development programs and / or due diligence/business development activities, regardless of complexity, phase or program type, based on direct experience and / or the ability to translate prior experiences to new opportunities.

Responsibilities

Talent Development (70%):
  • Line manage Development Project Managers
  • Coach more junior staff in the nuances of managing a development project-management of team dynamics, comprehending stages of development and how functional inputs interact to ensure project progression, coaching on Our Company/our Research & Development Division/GPAM processes, and PM skills.
  • Lead change by clearly communicating the "what and why," ensuring understanding and holding staff accountable for adoption; driving innovation by challenging assumptions, experimenting, learning from outcomes, and scaling impactful ideas.
  • Working with staff to:
    • Align and set individual priorities, establish measurable outcomes, track progress, and assign clear ownership for deliverables
    • Objectively and accurately assesses employees' skills, capabilities, and performance in the context of their projects, independently of stakeholder feedback
    • Gives timely, specific and appropriate feedback about performance, development needs and development progress; reinforce efforts and progress.
      • Check for understanding of and commitment to performance and development goals as well as follow-up activities
    • Modulates coaching style to the individual understanding tier experience and performance level
    • Addresses unacceptable performance or behavior on own team without hesitation
    • Surfaces conflict among team members and productively resolves it
    • Model emotional intelligence; foster inclusion and psychological safety; recognize contributions; inspire high performance and confidence.
    • Prepare and participate in Talent Sessions and Calibrations
    • Ensure compliance with training, policy and procedures


Pipeline Management (30%):

In addition to Talent Development,
  • Able to independently manage development projects and / or due diligence efforts of any type, irrespective of phase, complexity, priority, or involvement with an alliance partner.
  • Work to ensure that PM standards are being employed across projects.
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects that require extensive product development experience and comprehension of our company procedures and policies. These departmental, cross-divisional, or major corporate change projects can relate to optimizing capabilities, systems and operations, or improving the functioning of teams and / or development processes.


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

Qualifications
Minimum education required:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Preferred:
    • Degree concentration in a scientific-related discipline
    • Project Management certification / training (PMP) and / or coursework & training in Project Management
    • Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS, PharmD, Ph.D.)


Required Experience and skills:
  • Eight (8) years of experience in PM or related role/expertise in pharma and/or biotech or related role in product development/pharma/biotech;
  • Demonstrated ability to manage resources, time, and budget effectively for given projects; is business savvy and results oriented.


Preferred Experience and skills:
  • Twelve (12) years of experience preferred, or equivalent combination of advanced education and relevant experience and/or training.
  • Six (6) years of experience in direct people management or demonstrated experience building/cultivating talent
  • 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
  • Sufficient skill levels and technical comprehension of product development to be recognized as a project management/product development expert within the broader organization
  • Proven ability to evaluate, integrate, recommend, contribute to development of conceptual plans for, and guide implementation of, strategic, process, and team improvement and change initiatives cross-functionally
  • Effective at motivating and energizing others, establishing clear goals, delegating responsibility, mentoring and coaching within a team setting
  • Demonstrated situational leadership and creative problem solving within department and teams
  • Able to comprehend project details, but keep overall "big picture" view of projects, priorities, and strategies
  • High emotional intelligence with 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


#eligibleforERP

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Required Skills:
Change Management, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Clinical Trial Management, Decision Making, Feasibility Studies, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Product Development, Portfolio Management, Process Improvements, Results-Oriented, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Vendor Management

Preferred Skills:

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:
06/14/2026
*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.

Explore Career Paths

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.

Innovate and Lead

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.

Develop Your Skills

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
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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