Director, Strategy

Job Description The Enterprise Strategy Office (ESO) develops, implements, and drives enterprise strategy in support of patients, our company, its customers, and other stakeholders. The scope of this group includes strategy development, strategy execution & value realization, enterprise strategic planning, risk management, and strategic venture investments in healthcare as part of our Global Health Innovation fund. Together, we identify business critical opportunities, frame and evaluate options, and ensure effective implementation and cross-functional engagement to realize impact. Position Description The person in this role will support strategy development by leading the assessment and design of our Company's Research & Development division strategy priorities, tackling complex and often ambiguous questions that have significant upside for our company. They will work with senior leaders and our ESO team to identify and frame priority topics; conduct rigorous assessments to inform leadership decision-making; develop, refine and lead strategic initiatives across our Company's Research & Development division; and help evolve and establish capabilities to maximize the success of our company. This individual will collaborate cross-functionally with leaders and colleagues across our Company and will be a critical partner in the areas they support. They will be charged with solving problems, driving value, and building a coalition of support that is needed for the creation and adoption of change. This individual will foster a psychologically safe, and inclusive environment by leading teams both directly and indirectly and mentoring special assignment partners. Primary Responsibilities: Partner with ESO colleagues and our Company's Research & Development division leaders to identify high-value strategic imperatives Lead the framing, assessment, and recommendation of key initiatives, in collaboration with executive leaders across the company Develop fact-bases using internal and external datasets to support leadership decision-making Interrogate a deep and broad R&D portfolio to aid in resource allocation, prioritization and maximization of patient impact Bring to bear experience in R&D (discovery, translational sciences, development, regulatory), commercialization, data/digital, and other areas to identify capability gaps and ways to evolve Solicit external, outside-in perspectives by sourcing information and interacting with external partners (e.g., consultants, analysts, venture capital, other innovation-focused industries, etc.) Contribute new ideas and priorities, leveraging experience from other areas and/or companies Lead internal and external teams to drive ideas from conception to implementation Partner with cross-functional teams to support implementation and deliver on key objectives Drive cultural engagement with and inclusive teams Position Qualifications : PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or MD from a top ranked program 4+ years of strategy management consulting experience from a top-tier firm (e.g., BCG, McKinsey, LEK) Minimum of 7+ years of biopharmaceutical experience across roles, with deep experience in R&D, including strong innovation and/or data/digital/AI/tech focus Experience managing teams as well as external vendors Required Skills: Advanced degree with demonstrated capability across roles and functions Problem solving and insight generation - ability to frame and conceptualize complex, ambiguous questions and drive towards clear, substantiated answers relevant to the questions at hand Strong analytical skills with ability to efficiently source and interrogate different types of data to deliver relevant, high-quality insights Strong communicator with excellent verbal and written skills; ability to communicate effectively with senior management and across all levels of the business Demonstrated leadership qualities with the ability to empathize, listen, and enable colleagues to thrive Ability to influence decision-making in a matrixed organization and lead without direct authority Strong business acumen, with ability to build consensus Ability to prioritize time and problem solve to focus on most impactful activities / initiatives High EQ. Growth mindset. Curious. Motivated. Team-oriented. Organized. Coachable. Required Skills: Adaptability Analytical Tools Biopharmaceutics Data-Driven Decision Making Decision Making Developing Proposals Inclusive Leadership Influencing Skills Market Research Pharmaceutical Industry Prioritization Results-Oriented Strategic Initiative Strategic Management Strategic Planning Strategic Thinking Strategy Development Strategy Execution Location Rahway, NJ preferred with the potential opportunity for placement in Boston, MA. US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Salary Range $173,200.00 - $272,600.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at . Employment Details Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 08/14/2026 Requisition ID: R409900 #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.