Merck Foundation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work Location: Billerica, Massachusetts
Shift:
Department: HC-RD-DOC Dev Ops Compound Lead
Recruiter:Laura Dockery

This information is for internals only. Please do not share outside of the organization.

Location:

The Director Compound Operation Lead is a hybrid position (3 days onsite, 2 days remote) located in the Boston area (Billerica). There will be minimal travel, possibly domestic and international, to meet business needs.

Your Role:

The Director Compound Operation Lead is a global role within Global Development Operations (GDO), which is accountable for the operational leadership and delivery of one or more clinical program(s) from First-in-Human (FiH) through to launch. The COL serves as the GDO representative on the Global Program Team (GPT) and is the single point of operational accountability for translating asset strategy into executable clinical programs. Partnering with Global Program Teams, Clinical Trial Leads (CTLs), and cross-functional R&D functions, the COL drives patient-centric trial delivery within budget, timelines, and quality standards aligned to industry benchmarks.

Why This Role Matters?

• Enables faster patient access by reducing clinical program cycle times through operational excellence
• Ensures audit-ready governance and compliance with GCP and ICH standards
• Drives cost efficiency and delivery performance vs. industry benchmarks
• Builds organizational capability in clinical operations leadership across global programs

Key Accountabilities:

Operational Strategy & Program Leadership

• Develops and executes operational strategy for assigned clinical program(s), translating asset strategy into executable plans that connect science, operations, and patient outcomes
• Leads program-level operational execution using disciplined project management principles, ensuring delivery within budget, timelines, and quality standards across multiple trials and indications
• Serves as GDO representative on the GPT; provides operational input into asset strategy, governance decisions, and lifecycle planning
• Accountable for preparation and presentation of operational content at key governance forums

Risk Management & Delivery

• Identifies and evaluates program-level operational risks; develops and implements mitigation strategies and contingency plans to ensure delivery of asset strategy and governance milestones
• Ensures strong oversight, quality delivery, and resolution of program-level CAPAs and audit findings
• Monitors program-level KPIs and operational metrics; drives corrective action where performance deviates from plan

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Influences cross-functional leaders and senior management to align on operational priorities; negotiates resource allocation, timelines, and trade-offs to achieve program objectives
• Partners with Finance, DU, and GDO leadership to develop, track, and optimize program budgets across the full portfolio of trials within assigned program(s)
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including CROs, vendors, and regulatory partners

Matrix Leadership & Talent Development

• Provides matrix leadership of Global CTLs within assigned program(s); accountable for team performance, resource allocation, objective-setting, and coaching within matrix structure
• Builds and develops a pipeline of clinical operations talent through mentoring, coaching, and performance management
• Identifies high-potential team members and creates development opportunities aligned to organizational capability needs

Core Competencies:

• Program Management: Leads global, multi-trial programs with complex operational and strategic dimensions; expert in risk management, budgeting, and scenario planning
• Operational Leadership: Drives execution excellence across cross-functional, matrixed teams; holds self and others accountable to high performance standards
• Stakeholder Influence: Communicates and influences effectively at all levels of the organization; builds alignment and drives decisions in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Patient & Science Focus: Maintains unwavering focus on patient centricity and scientific integrity as the foundation of all operational decisions
• Talent Development: Inspires and develops clinical operations talent; fosters a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and growth

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, or related field (PhD, PharmD, or MD preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive experience in clinical drug development within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry
• Proven track record of leading complex, global clinical programs across multiple phases and therapeutic areas
• Demonstrated experience representing clinical operations at senior governance forums (e.g., Program Review Committees, R&D leadership meetings)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, and global regulatory requirements
• Strong financial acumen; experience managing program-level budgets of significant scale
• Proficiency in clinical operations tools, systems, and performance metrics frameworks

Pay range for this position: $173,000 - $259,000

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 clickhere.

The Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, transgender status, marital status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and programs relating to recruitment and hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Any applicant or employee who believes they have been discriminated against by the Company or anyone acting on behalf of the Company must report any concerns to their Human Resources Business Partner, Legal, or Compliance immediately. The Company will not retaliate against any individual because they made a good faith report of discrimination.