Director, Group Portfolio Execution

Merck Group$151K — $227K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or related fields.
  • At least 6 years experience in global, matrixed organizations.
  • Minimum 6 years in management consulting or similar roles with large, cross-functional teams.
  • At least 2 years leading post-merger integrations or carve-outs across various deal types.
  • Broad knowledge and project experience in Life Science/Healthcare or Electronics industries.

Responsibilities

  • Represent integration interests during due diligence.
  • Lead assigned integration or carve-out projects end-to-end with full accountability.
  • Drive structured implementation strategies and adapt plans dynamically.
  • Build partnerships with stakeholders and provide clear direction for team members.
  • Create and sign-off on the future target operating model to ensure smooth transitions.
  • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements throughout the process.
  • Maintain ongoing communications about integration/carve-out progress and drive decision-making.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
  • Retirement contributions to assist with long-term financial planning.
  • Other perquisites enhancing the employee experience.
Full Job Description
Your Role:

As a Director, Group Portfolio Execution, you will own the end-to-end integration and carve-out execution for our small to mid-size strategic deals. Reporting to the Head of Portfolio Execution (VP), you will be joining a highly energetic, mission-driven team of experienced integration and carve-out leaders managing these strategic initiatives across the three sectors.

Key Responsibilities
  • Represent integration interests during due diligence.
  • Own and lead assigned integration or carve-out projects end-to-end - serving as the primary point of contact with full accountability across all workstreams.
  • Design and drive a structured, disciplined implementation strategy - from project set-up and timeline planning through milestone delivery - dynamically adapting and recalibrating plans as the situation evolves.
  • Build trusted partnerships and align with key stakeholders and business leaders, mobilizing necessary cross-functional team members and providing clear direction and oversight for accountabilities and assignments.
  • Drive creation and sign-off of the future target operating model.
  • Ensure smooth delivery at country level.
  • Orchestrate high-impact workstream governance - establishing meeting cadence, creating and deploying common frameworks for feedback, inputs, and deliverables within a business unit and across our company - keeping all teams laser-focused on value drivers and key enablers across the company.
  • Drive fast decision-making - proactively identifying and resolving risks and pivoting course decisively to protect deal success.
  • Ensure full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements throughout the transaction lifecycle, safeguarding our organizational and financial interests.
  • Plan and manage overall integration / separation cost budget.
  • Ensure people and organizational aspects (culture, org design, retention and engagement, capability identification and preservation) are appropriately considered and managed in integrations.
  • Lead the end-to-end definition, implementation, and delivery of post-closing services (incl. Manufacturing Supply Agreements (MSAs) and Transitional Service Agreements (TSAs) in carve-out projects. Lead and manage timely and effective post-closing agreement exit in integrations.
  • Understand and communicate concerns, motivations and needs of all entities to ensure maximum benefit is realized and business momentum is maintained / increased.
  • Track and report performance against agreed-upon milestones and deliverables (as well as top- and bottom-line synergy / value creation targets in integrations).
  • Maintain a structured approach for keeping all relevant stakeholders informed - reporting integration / carve-out progress against financial and non-financial targets, surfacing roadblocks, and driving timely escalation to senior leadership.
  • Create a clear roadmap and transition plan for handover and ongoing ownership.
  • Actively coach and develop junior team members.
  • Continuously evolve transaction execution-related best practices and engage in best-practice building.


Who You Are:

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree, e.g., in Business Administration, Economics, Finance or related fields
  • Minimum 6 years of experience with global, matrixed organizations
  • Minimum 6 years of experience in management consulting or similar positions, with demonstrated success in steering large, cross-functional teams and overseeing substantial resources in complex environments
  • Demonstrated minimum 2 years of leading operational post-merger integrations and / or carve-outs across various deal types (e.g., share deals, asset deals, standalone / incubator integrations, spin-off).
  • Minimum 2 years of leadership experience
  • Broad-based knowledge and project experience in the industries in which our company operates (Life Science / Healthcare and / or Electronics) - with curiosity about the technologies shaping our future
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
  • Good balance of strategic and operational strength
  • Exceptional organizational skills, with ability to work in an agile manner and change course as required; able to systematically work through ambiguity
  • Skilled at building credibility and networks - from working teams to C-suite - both internally and with external partners
  • Strong business acumen - deep understanding of business processes / operating models, with knowledge of financial analysis, ROI analysis and key performance indicators
  • Continuous learning orientation and ability to quickly acquire new skills and domain knowledge in evolving business contexts
  • Strong drive, especially in fast-paced, complex and high-pressure environments, showing resilience and adaptability
  • Proven ability to make sound, data-driven decisions with confidence and minimal need for escalation
  • Culturally and politically savvy, strong in change management and communications


Preferred Qualifications:
  • MBA degree
  • Proficient financial literacy and experience in financial due diligence, valuation, and M&A lifecycle
  • Multi-year experience in strategy, business development, portfolio management, investment banking, or related field is a plus
  • AI literacy or interest in AI - including critical thinking and experience with AI tools, concepts and prompt engineering to accelerate project execution and drive synergies


Location: Burlington, MA (3 days per week)

Travel:

Pay range for this position: $151,900.00 - $227,900.00

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.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

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.

Internship Programs

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.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

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.

Networking and Professional Development

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.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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