Head of Portfolio Operations - Strategic Programs

Merck Group$165K — $292K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, portfolio management, commercial operations, supply chain, or business leadership
  • Demonstrated leadership of large-scale, cross-functional initiatives in a global environment
  • MBA or advanced degree preferred
  • Experience in Life Science, Healthcare, or Advanced Manufacturing industries
  • Strong ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive decision-making

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the strategic bridge between business priorities and operational execution
  • Own the end-to-end definition of business and market demand for Operations
  • Lead a team of senior experts to provide a consolidated business voice
  • Steer business-led investment needs through governance forums
  • Frame business risk and define mitigation expectations
  • Drive operational readiness for launches and growth initiatives
  • Design operational processes to enable scalable franchise growth

Benefits

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

In this pivotal role, you will serve as the strategic bridge between business priorities and operational execution - translating market demand, portfolio strategy, and commercial objectives into clear, prioritized, and actionable requirements for a global operations organization. You will own the end-to-end definition of business and market demand toward Operations, ensuring that decisions on capacity, capabilities, investments, quality, and supply are fully aligned with long-range strategic goals. Leading a team of senior experts, you will act as the single, integrated business counterpart to the Value Stream organization - replacing fragmented functional inputs with one consolidated, authoritative business voice. You will define and steer business-led investment needs, including capital expenditure and footprint decisions, through governance forums, while owning long-range operational demand planning aligned with portfolio strategy and market outlook. You will frame business risk - spanning supply, quality, and continuity - and define mitigation expectations toward Operations and senior leadership. Representing the business in enterprise planning and governance forums, you will drive operational readiness for launches, portfolio changes, and growth initiatives, and design the operational processes that enable the franchise to scale with confidence.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, portfolio management, commercial operations, supply chain, or business leadership
  • Demonstrated leadership of large-scale, cross-functional initiatives in a global environment


Preferred Qualifications:
  • MBA or advanced degree
  • Experience in Life Science, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, or similarly complex regulated industries
  • Strong understanding of how market demand translates into operational requirements and investment decisions
  • Proven experience influencing executive stakeholders and driving business-level decision-making without direct authority
  • Background working across both commercial and operational environments
  • Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and a customer- and market-oriented mindset
  • Exceptional communicator and influencer; skilled at building alignment and collaboration across organizational boundaries
  • Comfortable leading through complexity and ambiguity; data-driven, decisive, and execution-focused
  • Up to 20% travel


Location: Bedford, MA; Danvers, MA or Burlington, MA

US Pay Range: $165,500 - $292,600

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.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights from Merck Group professionals. These resources are invaluable for those looking to advance their careers and stay ahead in a competitive job market.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Merck Group. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await.

SEARCH MERCK GROUP JOBS

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Merck Group

More Business Services Jobs

Find similar Head of Portfolio Operations - Strategic Programs jobs: