Senior Director, R&D Integration Management Office (Billerica MA)

Merck Group$249K — $374K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD or Masters in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
  • 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D with senior leadership roles.
  • 10+ years across the pharmaceutical R&D value chain, including discovery, clinical development, and regulatory affairs.
  • 5+ years leading M&A integrations or large-scale R&D transformation programs.
  • 3+ years in integration governance, execution, and project management methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute the master R&D integration plan.
  • Lead end-to-end integration activities from mergers and acquisitions.
  • Chair integration steering committees and working teams.
  • Drive asset portfolio rationalization and partner with R&D functions.
  • Identify and mitigate integration risks while ensuring business continuity.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
  • Retirement contributions.
  • Sales or performance-based bonuses.
  • Other employee perquisites.
Full Job Description
Your Role: When a company acquires a promising asset or forges a strategic partnership, the real work begins the moment the deal closes. As the Senior Director, R&D Integration Management Office, you are the architect and driving execution force behind the seamless integration of scientific, operational, and human capital across every R&D workstream. Sitting within the Strategy, Portfolio and Hubs function, you will lead end-to-end integration activities arising from mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships - ensuring that value is realized, pipeline and business continuity is protected, knowledge retained and organizational capability is strengthened throughout.

In this pivotal role, you will develop, own and execute the master R&D integration plan, driving Day 1 readiness and tracking milestones, dependencies, risks, and issues across all integration workstreams. You will establish and chair integration steering committees and working teams, define escalation pathways, and report progress directly to R&D leadership and the corporate Integration Management Office. Your scope spans asset integration (research, preclinical, and clinical), people integration (organizational design, talent retention, and cultural alignment), process harmonization, technology and systems integration, and knowledge transfer.

You will drive asset portfolio rationalization, partnering with R&D and Corporate functions to assess acquired assets and integrate them into the healthcare pipeline. You will drive organizational design efforts, partner with Human Resources to define target operating models, map talent, and manage change effectively. You will also collaborate with enabling functions to develop and implement comprehensive change management and communication strategies that foster cultural integration and sustain employee engagement throughout the integration lifecycle.

Beyond strategy, you will identify, assess, and mitigate integration risks, proactively escalating critical roadblocks with recommended solutions. You will ensure business continuity of ongoing R&D operations, minimize disruption to pipeline progress and scientific output, manage vendor and partner relationships - including CROs, technology providers, and consultants - and drive compliance activities to ensure adherence throughout the integration. This role operates within a growing function, with the team expected to expand over time.

Who You Are

Basic / Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD or Masters in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
  • 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, with a demonstrated track record in senior leadership roles.
  • 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D value chain, spanning discovery, translational medicine, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and pharmacovigilance.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience leading M&A integrations, post-merger integrations, complex partnerships, or large-scale R&D transformation programs.
  • 3+ years of experience in integration governance design, execution, and project management methodologies and systems (e.g., PMP, Planisware, or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications
  • MBA or equivalent business qualification.
  • PMP certification and/or formal Integration Management certification.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex organizational change and transformation, including organizational design, talent retention, and cultural integration in a global, matrixed environment.
  • Proven ability to drive cross-functional alignment and lead diverse, matrixed teams across geographies; international or multicultural work experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex integration challenges into clear decisions and actions for senior leadership.

Location: Billerica MA

Pay Range for this position: $249,700 - 374,500

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.

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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.
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