Director R&D Sustainability and Medical Governance Operations (Billerica MA)

Merck Group • $174K — $262K *
Billerica, MA 01821In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Degree in Medicine or Life Sciences; advanced degree preferred.
  • 8-12 years of experience in clinical R&D or Medical Affairs, preferably in a matrix organization.
  • Experience in business operations and governance in pharma/biotech.
  • Proven ability to manage complex, multi-workstream programmes.
  • Knowledge of corporate sustainability and ESG management; familiarity with frameworks like GHG Protocol and CSRD is a plus.
  • Experience in vendor management and audit processes.
  • Strong communication and training delivery skills.

Responsibilities

  • Support the Head CMO Governance & Operations in business operations activities.
  • Oversee governance processes, operational workflows, and data systems management.
  • Coordinate vendor activities and manage training delivery.
  • Drive planning and reporting for R&D sustainability initiatives aligned with corporate ESG commitments.
  • Ensure compliance and maintenance of governance documents, audit readiness, and training completion.
  • Facilitate cross-functional alignment and milestone delivery for sustainability projects.
  • Translate corporate ESG objectives into measurable R&D initiatives and workplans.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Other perquisites
Full Job Description
Your Role:

The Director, R&D and Medical Governance Operations holds a dual mandate: supporting the Head CMO Governance & Operations in the full spectrum of CMO-GO business operations activities, and serving as the orchestrator and oversight lead for R&D Sustainability initiatives across the R&D organization. The role ensures the smooth execution of governance processes, operational workflows, data systems management, vendor coordination, and training delivery, while simultaneously driving the planning, coordination, and reporting of R&D's sustainability project portfolio in alignment with the company's broader ESG and corporate sustainability commitments.

Impact:
  • Enables the Head CMO Governance & Operations to focus on strategic priorities by owning and executing the operational backbone of CMO-GO.
  • Acts as the central orchestrator of R&D Sustainability projects, ensuring cross-functional alignment, milestone delivery, and transparent reporting to R&D and corporate leadership.
  • Strengthens the organization's compliance posture through rigorous maintenance of governance documentation, data systems, audit readiness, and training completion.
  • Embeds sustainability thinking into R&D operations by translating corporate ESG commitments into concrete, measurable R&D-level initiatives and workplans.


Complexity:
  • Operates simultaneously across two demanding remits - governance operations and sustainability orchestration - each requiring deep cross-functional engagement and independent judgment.
  • Manages competing operational priorities across governance initiatives, sustainability projects, vendor engagements, and stakeholder reporting cycles.
  • Navigates an evolving external sustainability regulatory landscape (e.g., EU CSRD, GHG reporting) and translates requirements into R&D-specific actions.


Accountability / Independence:
  • Accountable for the timely and accurate delivery of business operations tasks delegated by the HeadCMO Governance & Operations.
  • Fully accountable for the orchestration, oversight, and reporting of the R&D Sustainability project portfolio, working independently with minimal guidance.
  • Exercises judgment in prioritizing workload across both remits and proactively managing stakeholder expectations across functions and geographies.


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Degree in Medicine or Life Sciences required; an advanced scientific degree (Master's, PhD, or MD) is preferred.
  • Additional qualification in business administration, project management, or a related discipline is an advantage. Substantial professional experience (typically 8-12 years) in clinical R&D, Medical Affairs, or a comparable function, ideally within an international matrix organization.
  • Demonstrated experience in business operations, process management, and governance in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment.
  • Proven track record in orchestrating complex, multi-workstream programmes or project portfolios, including governance design and stakeholder management.
  • Experience in or strong working knowledge of corporate sustainability / ESG programme management; familiarity with frameworks such as GHG Protocol, CSRD, SBTi, or equivalent is a distinct advantage.
  • Knowledge of clinical studies, Early Access Programs, Patient Support Programs, and relevant therapeutic areas.
  • Experience in vendor management, including contracting, performance oversight, and budget tracking.
  • Familiarity with audit management processes and experience supporting audit preparation and follow-up activities.
  • Expert knowledge of ICH-GCP and applicable international regulations, laws, and guidelines for clinical studies, Patient Support Programs, and Early Access.
  • Experience in developing and delivering training programs to diverse internal and affiliate audiences.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong programme and project management skills: able to design governance structures, manage interdependencies, and drive delivery across complex, multi-stakeholder portfolios.
  • Sustainability literacy: understanding of ESG reporting obligations, carbon accounting principles, and the integration of sustainability into R&D operations.
  • Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent workstreams effectively across two distinct remits.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare clear reports, presentations, and governance documents for senior and executive audiences.
  • Proven ability to build effective working relationships and influence without direct authority in a complex global matrix environment.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to data quality, documentation standards, and compliance.
  • Strong digital and database literacy; proficiency with project management tools, data management platforms, and ESG reporting systems.
  • Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% as required.

Location: Billerica MA

Pay Range for this position: $174,600 - 262,000

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.

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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READ CAREERS BLOG

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.
Learn more about Merck Group
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
* Ladders Estimates

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