Merck & Co, Inc

Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development

Merck & Co, Inc • $255K — $402K *
Rahway, NJ 07065In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
  • 12+ years of experience in vaccine or sterile drug product development.
  • Proven leadership in vaccine strategy across multiple stages from development to commercialization.
  • Strong understanding of regulatory environments and sterile manufacturing processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and guide portfolio decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the strategic vision for Vaccine Drug Product development.
  • Lead the end-to-end process of vaccine drug product development, from formulation to commercial launch.
  • Integrate scientific and technical considerations into development strategies.
  • Build and inspire high-performing teams through mentorship and coaching.
  • Establish trusted partnerships across various organizational functions and external stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement with potential for domestic/international relocation.
  • Opportunity for VISA sponsorship.
  • Travel allowance of up to 25% for collaborative initiatives.
Full Job Description
Job Description

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Impact
  • Define and execute the strategic vision, priorities, and operating model for Vaccine Drug Product, ensuring alignment with portfolio, launch, and business objectives.
  • Shape vaccine drug product strategies that inform investment decisions, business cases, and commercialization plans.
  • Provide clear, data-driven recommendations to senior leadership by integrating scientific, technical, regulatory, operational, and business perspectives.
  • Anticipate future needs and build capabilities that position the organization for long-term success.


End-to-End Vaccine Drug Product Development
  • Lead vaccine drug product development from early strategy through commercial launch, including formulation, process development, sterile manufacturing, fill-finish, technology transfer, and lifecycle management.
  • Integrate critical vaccine development considerations into CMC strategies, including stability, potency, sterility assurance, presentation, cold-chain requirements, and regulatory expectations.
  • Partner across functions to ensure development programs are scientifically robust, operationally feasible, and commercially successful.


Organizational Leadership & Talent Development
  • Build, develop, and inspire high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and inclusive leadership.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead multiple teams while balancing portfolio demands, capability development, operational excellence, and sustainable delivery.
  • Champion organizational transformation by identifying capability gaps and driving improvements in processes, structures, and ways of working.


Collaboration & Influence
  • Establish trusted partnerships across Development, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, Commercial, and external stakeholder communities.
  • Communicate with clarity and influence across all levels of the organization, including senior leaders and governance forums.
  • Build strong networks across industry, academia, and government organizations to advance strategic objectives and strengthen organizational capabilities.


What Makes You Successful

You are a strategic thinker and enterprise leader who combines deep scientific expertise with strong business acumen. You thrive in complex environments, lead through influence, and bring people together around a shared vision. Most importantly, you are passionate about developing talent and creating a culture where individuals and teams can do their best work.

Key Leadership Capabilities
  • Deep expertise in vaccine and sterile drug product development, including formulation, process development, manufacturing, CMC strategy, regulatory submissions, and commercialization.
  • Demonstrated success leading scientific and technical organizations through growth, transformation, and change.
  • Strong commitment to talent development, coaching, succession planning, and fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued.
  • Strategic business mindset with the ability to connect clinical development, CMC, and commercialization to achieve successful product launches and reliable supply.
  • Proven ability to build alignment, influence stakeholders, and drive cross-functional collaboration in complex matrix organizations.
  • Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical, risk management, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Track record of translating strategy into execution and delivering measurable outcomes.
  • High emotional intelligence with exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Passion for innovation and continuous improvement, enabling teams to explore new ideas and create novel solutions.
  • Enterprise mindset focused on balancing patient impact, business priorities, and long-term organizational success.


Qualifications

Education
  • Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.


Required Experience
  • 12+ years of experience in vaccine, biologics, or sterile drug product development.
  • Significant experience leading vaccine or sterile drug product strategy across development, CMC, regulatory, technology transfer, and launch-readiness activities.
  • Demonstrated success leading organizations, influencing across functions, and contributing to portfolio, resource, and investment decisions.
  • Strong understanding of vaccine development, sterile manufacturing, and commercialization within a regulated environment.


Location

This hybrid role is preferably based in West Point, PA, with Rahway, NJ also considered. Travel of up to 25% is expected to support collaboration across Pharmaceutical Sciences and Device Development (PSDD) and R&D locations.

Why Candidates Will Be Drawn to This Role

This position offers the opportunity to shape vaccine strategy at an enterprise level, influence critical portfolio decisions, lead world-class scientific teams, and drive innovation that can impact millions of patients globally. It is an ideal role for a proven leader who wants to leave a lasting mark on the future of vaccine development and commercialization.

Required Skills:
Business Decisions, Drug Development, Innovation, Leadership Management, Logical Thinking, Medical Product Development, People Leadership, Product Development, Stakeholder Management, Sterile Products, Strategic Leadership, Strategic Objectives, Strategic Thinking, Vaccine Research, Visionary Thinking

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:
1st - Day

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
09/17/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ
MRK
* Ladders Estimates

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