Merck & Co, Inc

Executive Director, Talent Enablement Lead

Merck & Co, Inc • $231K — $365K *
Business Services
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or related field required
  • Minimum of 12 years of progressive HR experience in a complex, global environment
  • Proven strategic HR partnership experience
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic workforce planning and talent management
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Talent Enablement function across divisional and geographic boundaries
  • Implement efficient practices and establish accountability for team performance
  • Establish operating rhythms and measures for transparency and execution
  • Act as a strategic thought partner to HR leadership and Talent Partners
  • Oversee prioritization of TEL capabilities to align with enterprise needs
  • Activate end-to-end talent experiences across Global Talent Management products
  • Facilitate feedback into GTM product design for relevance and effectiveness

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits for employees and families
  • Retirement benefits including 401(k)
  • Paid holidays and vacation days
  • Compassionate and sick leave
  • Eligibility for annual bonus and long-term incentives
Full Job Description

Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Talent Strategy Officer, we are looking for a seasoned Human Resources (HR) professional to establish and lead the evolution of the Talent Enablement Lead (TEL) function to partner with HR leadership teams on creating comprehensive talent strategies and optimizing the pull through and realization of talent solutions. The Executive Director, Talent Enablement provides an opportunityfor highly impactful work by playing a thought leadership and expert consulting role in addition to hands-on execution support and strategy realization across a broad talent management portfolio. This role will oversee a team of Talent Enablement leads and ensure the appropriate systems and ways of working are in place to drive effective collaboration and successful outcomes in support of our enterprise and divisional/functional talent strategies. The role will also support a designated divisional/ functional HR leadership team.


The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of Global Talent Management (GTM) functions, including the tools and processes associated with Talent Products & Services, Global Learning & Development, and Enterprise Transformation & Organizational Development. In addition, the ideal candidate will have a proven consultative approach, ability to navigate a matrixed operating model, solid organization skills, results-focused execution, and business and data analytics acumen.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead the Talent Enablement function

  • Provide strategic direction and people leadership for the TEL function, spanning across divisional/functional and geographic boundaries
  • Implement efficient practices/ways of working and establish clear accountability for team performance, capability, succession, talent development and inclusive ways of working.
  • Establish disciplined operating rhythms, decision rights, escalation paths and measures that enable transparency, responsiveness and consistent execution
  • Represent TEL perspectives in HR forums

Execute the strategic agenda

  • Act as a strategic thought partner to HR leadership, Organization & Talent Partners (OTPs) to help define and execute integrated talent strategies and high-touch talent experiences and support the shaping of integrated human capital strategies and coordinated pull-through across GTM CoEs, translating business needs into strategic and operational talent actions.
  • Oversee prioritization and navigate across the HR Model to direct TEL capability and resources to the most critical enterprise, divisional and local priorities as needs evolve.

Deliver expertise and insights

  • Activate and oversee end-to-end pull-through of executive and critical talent experiences across GTM products, including succession planning, executive recruiting, assessments, transition support, and leadership development.
  • Serve as the connection between GTM COE leads and HR leadership teams, keeping HR teams informed of GTM priorities and roadmap while translating business needs into strategic and operational talent actions.
  • Facilitate voice-of-the-business and OTP/ETHR feedback into GTM product design, ensuring programs are relevant, responsive, and effective. Drive alignment and measurable pull-through across GTM functions, using talent insights and collaboration to improve outcomes and scale best practices.

Experience, capabilities and leadership characteristics

The successful candidate will bring deep strategic HR experience in a large, complex business organization and a record of shaping outcomes through influence. The role requires the following capabilities and leadership characteristics:


  • Influence: Creating and executing influence strategies that gain commitment to ones ideas and persuade key stakeholders to take action that will advance shared interests and business goals.
  • Execution Excellence: Translating strategic priorities into operational reality per compliance standards; establishing high standards, communication, accountabilities, resource capabilities, internal processes and ongoing measurement systems to ensure that strategic priorities yield measurable sustainable results.
  • Networking & Partnerships: Initiating and maintaining strategic relationships with stakeholders and potential partners inside and outside the organization to advance understanding of business issues and achieve business goals.
  • Change Catalyst: Driving organizational and cultural changes needed to achieve strategic priorities; catalyzing new approaches to improve results by transforming organizational culture, systems or products/services; helping others to overcome resistance to change.
  • Ownership and Accountability: Sharing ownership authority and responsibilities with others to move decision making and accountability downward through the organization to stretch individual capabilities while accomplishing the business units strategic priorities.
  • Data Analytics Aumen: Utilizing available data to better understand and communicate current-state practices, trends, and issues and draw meaningful conclusions. The ability to proactively use data to anticipate and suggest meaningful improvements
  • Talent Experience Orchestration: Activating global talent management products and services to shape end-to-end solutions and experiences in support of organizational capability and workforce planning strategies, across complex matrixed organizations
  • Customer Orientation & business acumen: Strong ability to absorb, understand, & leverage business strategies and guide, consult with executives and stakeholders

Education:

  • Bachelors degree in human resources, Business or a related discipline required

Required Experience and Skills:
  • Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressive HR or closely related business experience, including significant strategic HR partnership experience in a complex, global environment.
  • Experience establishing strategic direction and plan to achieve short-term and long-term goals, proven ability to drive results and catalyze new ideas approaches to improve outcomes for customers
  • Ability to negotiate and influence effectively at all levels of the organization through collaboration, consulting and building relationships with leaders, maintaining relationships with partners within and outside immediate job function in consultative and collaborative style
  • Demonstrated broad-reaching experience in strategic workforce planning, organization capability planning, organization design and development, talent and succession. Proficient in Global Talent Management tools and practices
  • Experience supporting pharmaceutical, life sciences, manufacturing, research, commercial or other science-based organizations.
  • Ability to commission work through a networked operating model and experience working globally and across complex transformations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, business judgment and analytical capability.
  • Demonstrated people management experience or matrix leadership, including leading, coaching and developing experienced HR professionals and building a high-performing, inclusive team.
  • Broad global perspective and the ability to lead with cultural sensitivity across a broad, matrixed, global organization

Required Skills:

Benefits Administration, Benefits Administration, Candidate Sourcing, Change Management, Compensation Program Design, Compensation Strategies, Corporate Recruiting, Creativity, Employee Development, Enterprise Solutions Sales, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), Human Resource Management, Human Resources (HR) Technology, Learning and Development (L&D), Organizational Effectiveness, People Leadership, People Management, People Performance Management, Policy Development, Recruitment Marketing, Sales Enablement, Sales Leadership, Sales Management, Sales Process Development, Sales Strategy Development {+ 8 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

The salary range for this role is

$231,900.00 - $365,000.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

NA

Job Posting End Date:

10/9/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensu

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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Engage with us through our careers blog and by participating in networking events and employment fairs. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Merck & Co, Inc. Join us in our mission to improve health and wellness around the world.
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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