Director - Resource Forecasting & Analytics

Merck Group$172K — $258K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in biopharma R&D resource forecasting or business analytics
  • Strategic partner experience to senior R&D leaders in a matrixed environment
  • Proven track record of high-complexity analytics initiatives with measurable impact
  • Expertise with Enterprise Project Portfolio Management tools like Planisware
  • Advanced skills in analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau) and strong MS Excel and PowerPoint proficiency
  • Familiarity with AI/ML methodologies and their applications in data workflows
  • Exceptional communication skills, especially in translating complex data for executive audiences

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to R&D leaders on resource allocation and capacity planning
  • Lead the development and delivery of advanced analytics and forecasting models
  • Drive the evolution of forecasting methodologies to adapt to R&D needs
  • Ensure quality and governance of resource forecasting data across functions
  • Translate complex portfolio assumptions into actionable scenario-based forecasts
  • Facilitate cross-functional alignment on forecasting practices and data quality
  • Integrate AI and advanced analytics into existing processes for operational efficiency

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Commitment to inclusion and diversity
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth
Full Job Description
Your Role: The Director, Resource Forecasting & Analytics is a senior business partner role at the forefront of data-driven decision-making within our global Healthcare R&D organization. You will operate with high autonomy as a trusted strategic advisor to senior R&D leaders - translating complex resource data into actionable intelligence that directly shapes portfolio decisions and drives operational performance. You will own the design and delivery of sophisticated forecasting models and analytics solutions, influence senior stakeholders across functions and geographies through the strength of your expertise, and play a central role in evolving the analytical frameworks that underpin R&D-wide resource management. This is an exceptional opportunity for an analytically excellent, strategically minded professional to operate at the heart of one of the world's leading science and technology companies - driving meaningful impact on how we plan, allocate, and optimize our most critical R&D asset: our people. Location: Hybrid, 3 days per week from our Billerica, MA or Darmstadt, Germany office Key accountabilities include: - Strategic Advisory: Serve as a senior business partner and trusted advisor to R&D functional leaders, providing expert guidance on resource allocation, capacity planning, and portfolio trade-offs - Advanced Analytics Delivery: Lead the design, development, and delivery of sophisticated analytics solutions and forecasting models that address high-complexity, cross-functional business questions - Forecast Methodology: Drive continuous evolution of forecasting methodologies, algorithms, and analytical capabilities to meet changing R&D operating models and stakeholder needs - Data Governance: Own the quality, integrity, and governance of resource forecasting data - defining and enforcing standards across functions and geographies - Insight Generation: Translate complex portfolio assumptions and resource demand signals into robust, scenario-based forecasts that support senior leadership decision-making - Cross-functional Alignment: Lead cross-functional working groups to align forecasting practices, resolve data quality issues, and drive adoption of best practices across R&D - AI & Innovation: Integrate advanced analytics, AI, and data science approaches into existing business processes to enhance insight generation and operational efficiency - Systems & Data Quality: Manage and evolve time tracking quality and role breakdown structures, ensuring reliability, compliance, and organizational alignment - Training & Literacy: Lead the evolution of resource management literacy across selected R&D functional lines of business, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making - Stakeholder Partnerships: Cultivate trust-based relationships with teams responsible for upstream and downstream processes - including Planning, Controlling, and HR - Matrix Influence: Deliver outcomes across multiple R&D functions and regions without formal line authority, building coalitions and driving alignment through expertise and credibility - Thought Leadership: Contribute to external thought leadership and represent the function in relevant industry forums and expert networks Who You Are You are an analytically exceptional, intellectually curious professional who combines deep technical expertise with the strategic mindset and interpersonal credibility to influence at the most senior levels. You are energized by complexity, driven by impact, and passionate about transforming data into decisions. Minimum Qualifications: - 8+ years of relevant experience in biopharma R&D resource forecasting, business analytics, data science, or R&D project and portfolio management Preferred Qualifications: - Demonstrated experience as a strategic business partner to senior leaders in a complex, matrixed R&D environment - Track record of delivering high-complexity analytics initiatives with measurable business impact - from problem framing through to insight delivery and stakeholder adoption - Deep understanding of the biopharma R&D value chain and portfolio management, with the ability to connect resource data to broader pipeline strategy and investment decisions - Hands-on expertise with Enterprise Project Portfolio Management tools, particularly Planisware or equivalent platforms - Advanced proficiency in analytics and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau) and/or predictive modeling, combined with strong Excel and PowerPoint skills - Familiarity with AI/ML methodologies and a genuine appetite for integrating emerging technologies into forecasting and analytics workflows - Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to address high-complexity, cross-functional challenges with rigor and clarity - Outstanding communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives for senior and executive audiences - Proven ability to influence and drive outcomes through matrix authority across multiple functions and geographies - without relying on formal line management power - Strong organizational discipline and quality focus, with the ability to manage multiple high-priority workstreams simultaneously - Academic degree in a scientific, medical, business, or data science-related field; Master's degree, MBA, and/or PhD strongly preferred - Fluency in English required - additional language skills (e.g., German) are a plus Pay Range for this position: $172,000 - 258,000 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 prequisites. For more information click here. What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress! Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

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.

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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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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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