Job DescriptionReporting to the Head of Statistical Programming (SP), the Executive Director leads a team of statistical programmers and analysts supporting foundational analysis and reporting tools, including standard code libraries, platforms, processes, training, and the generation and management of clinical schedules for our company's clinical trial pipeline.
As a key member of the Statistical Programming Leadership Team, this role serves as a strategic and influential leader, models effective people management, and establishes the team's strategic and operational objectives. The Executive Director also fosters productive collaboration with stakeholders across Biostatistics and Research Decision Sciences, Data Management, IT, Quality, Clinical, and Regulatory Affairs.
Primary Responsibilities:- Leads the delivery of analysis and reporting tools, processes, platforms, and training for Biostatistics and Research Decision Sciences (BARDS) staff supporting all clinical trial phases and therapeutic areas, with a focus on regulatory compliance, quality, and efficiency. Partners with Statistics and Statistical Programming leaders, aligns work to the company scorecard, and collaborates with stakeholders and functional service partners.
- Manages managers and builds high-performing teams by recruiting, hiring, developing, and evaluating staff; implementing talent management strategies; coaching and mentoring employees; and contributing to succession and workforce planning.
- Contributes to the broader vision and strategy of the Statistical Programming organization as a member of the leadership team, challenging the status quo, driving innovation, and applying strong business acumen.
- Maintains current knowledge of regulatory guidance and submission standards.
- Manages team headcount and budget, and collaborates with vendors and partnership management to maintain flexible and cost-effective programming resources.
- Leads departmental and strategic initiatives, developing and executing long-term and annual operating objectives for assigned areas within Statistical Programming.
- Represents the organization externally by participating in industry initiatives and engaging with statistical programming and regulatory thought leaders, including contributing to, organizing, or chairing sessions at professional meetings.
Education and Minimum Requirement: - Master's degree in statistics, computer science or closely related field is preferred. The position requires at least 12 years of experience in statistical programming, statistics, or closely related activity in a pharmaceutical development environment and at least 5 years of management experience at the Director level.
Required Skills and Experience: - Deep knowledge of clinical trial operations, statistical analysis and reporting processes, regulatory and industry compliance standards, and the software development lifecycle.
- Extensive experience leading or managing statistical programming teams responsible for analysis and reporting deliverables, including recruiting, hiring, performance management, and employee development.
- Strong ability to negotiate and collaborate across business domains and cultures, while managing a broad portfolio of work.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience collaborating in a global environment across functions such as statistics, IT, data management, quality, clinical and regulatory affairs.
- Strong interpersonal and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, align stakeholders, and lead across boundaries.
- Experience managing complex, cross-functional programs and ensuring strategic alignment, consistency, and compliance.
- Experience working with external vendors for resources and software.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, make sound decisions quickly, and navigate ambiguity effectively.
Preferred Skills and Experience:- Strong track record of setting strategy for efficient analysis and reporting deliverables and tools.
- Experience leading teams through technological change, evolving standards, shifting priorities, and complex challenges.
- Ability to implement practical programming solutions with urgency and impact in ambiguous situations.
- Experience managing other managers.
Required Skills: Clinical Trials Operations, Cross-Functional Leadership, Executive Leadership, Pharmaceutical Industry, Program Management, Project Management, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting Processes, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Statistical Analysis, Statistical Programming, Statistics, Vendor Management
Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
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:06/13/2026
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