Associate Director, External Manufacturing

Overview The Global Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) at our company is a diverse global organization committed to bringing a compliant, reliable supply of life‑saving and affordable medicines to patients worldwide. We oversee manufacturing, packaging, and commercialization of our entire Human Health portfolio and small molecule new product pipeline. GPO manages products serving communities in over 175 markets, delivering more than 7 billion doses annually. Our Small Molecule External Manufacturing organization manages third‑party manufacturing across drug substance, drug product, and packaging operations, supporting launches and global supply. The Integrated Launch Excellence (ILE) platform focuses on the introduction, demonstration, and validation of new products at external partners (EPs). Responsibilities Dispute resolution with appropriate escalation. Balancing the company’s delivery requirements with contract manufacturer’s production plan (Materials Management – ERP transactions, Logistics). Oversight of shop‑floor production, determining when an ExM functional representative should be deployed to the contract manufacturer’s facility. Continuous improvement activities. Partner with Procurement in the identification, selection, negotiation, and termination of new contract manufacturers and supply agreements. Facilitate the collection of contract manufacturer’s capacity information (stated capacity, firm capacity, future capacity plans, lead times, comments, concerns) and present the information to Supply Chain Management to drive capacity expansion recommendations. Ensure alignment of supply and quality agreements. Execute ERP transactions associated with receipt and movement of company‑owned inventory, book‑to‑physical reconciliation of inventory at contract manufacturers, and document and witness destruction of company‑owned inventory. Ensure contract terms (purchase orders, forecasts, deliveries, invoice payments) are executed in compliance with the supply agreement. Partner with ExM Company Production System experts and other functions (technical, quality, procurement, etc.) to identify continuous improvement opportunities at contract manufacturers. Provide project‑management support to the DP NA regional team, ensuring coordination of ongoing projects within the region. Travel up to 50% of the time. Education Minimum Requirement Bachelor’s degree minimum in Engineering, Medical, Science, Business, or related areas of study. Required Experience and Skills No less than eight (8) years combined experience in commercial/business and manufacturing (operations, project management, quality, technology, supply chain, etc.) in the pharmaceutical, chemical, or related industry, or an equivalent combination of education/experience. Knowledge of drug substance manufacturing, including common unit operations and shop‑floor activities. Excellent interpersonal, communication, project‑management, collaboration, negotiation, analytical, and influencing skills. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork coordination abilities. Cultural awareness and sensitivities. Fluency in English, both verbal and written. Preferred Experience and Skills Recent experience in ExM operations or site operations. Conversant on domestic and foreign regulations and compendia governing manufacturing operations. Lean project implementation experience. Strong influencing skills demonstrated at various levels of an organization. Salary and Benefits Salary Range: $129,000.00 – $203,100.00. The actual position within this range is based on education, qualifications, certifications, experience, geography, and business needs. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive (if applicable). A comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, healthcare insurance (for employee and family), retirement benefits (including 401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as a federal contractor. More information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws is available at EEOC resources. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck