Associate Director, Portfolio & Resource Operations

Job Description Under the direction of leadership, the Associate Director, Portfolio & Resource Operations supports operational excellence through data‑driven portfolio and resource analytics. Responsible for maintaining accurate capacity, workload, and utilization data across functions, the role ensures decisions are informed by robust metrics and transparent reporting. Works collaboratively with functional partners to drive standardization and improve visibility into operational performance. Responsibilities Forecasting, Capacity, & Portfolio Management Maintain headcount, workload, and demand models for the functional area; run allocation algorithms to help ensure the Book of Business is delivered with quality and timeliness. Support operating-model optimization within the functional area, translate outcomes into action plans and track through implementation. Manage real‑time workload balancing, capacity, and compliance‑driven case allocation across geographies within the functional area to ensure balanced operations, on‑time delivery, and business continuity through holidays, resource availability, and demand peaks. Build and maintain operational dashboards; collect, analyze, and validate portfolio data (efficiency, utilization, quality); ensure standardized reporting in partnership with cross‑functional peers across GDMS (Global Data Management & Standards) and enterprise standards. Assist in developing forecasting tools, dashboards, and visualizations; contribute to continuous improvement of capacity modeling and workforce analytics. Support long‑term quality management plans; participate in strategic and tactical special projects as needed. Operational Governance, Execution, & Metrics Prepare inputs for Operational Reviews; ensure consistent metric definitions, sources, and timeframes per enterprise cadence and templates. Coordinate resource and financial forecasting, contracting, and invoicing; track variances and data integrity and publish reconciled views as required. Collaborate with stakeholders to maintain a unified set of metrics, training, and SOP/BP (Standard Operating Practice/ Best Practice) frameworks based on functional area needs. Monitor operational metrics post–system release to ensure realized efficiencies are captured in forecasting models and resource planning assumptions. Training, Communication, & Change Management Support creation, maintenance, and delivery of role‑specific curriculum; co‑develop GDMS‑wide training for the functional area; measure uptake. Coordinate function‑specific communications and change management aligned to GDMS/GCTO (Global Clinical Trial Operations) frameworks. Embed Human‑first Organization practices by designing adoption aids (FAQs, quick guides) and incorporating user feedback into process improvements. Technical Skills Ability to interpret operational, capacity, and financial data; comfortable with variance analysis and trends. Working knowledge of capacity planning, resourcing, and portfolio management concepts. Familiarity with functional operational systems, performance dashboards, and workforce analytics data. Understanding of data integrity, metric standardization, and basic QC (Quality Control)/reconciliation practices. Proficient with Power BI/Tableau and Excel (advanced modeling) for dashboards and what‑if views. Basic grasp of forecasting, budgeting, and accruals; reads plan/forecast/actuals and ties them to operational drivers. Non‑Technical Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Fluent in English; exceptional communication and influencing skills, able to engage and align stakeholders across functions, geographies, and levels. Skilled in organizing cross‑team work; coordinates milestones and deliverables; escalates risks early. Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, motivating and guiding cross‑functional and virtual teams without direct authority. Highly adaptable and resilient, able to prioritize and perform effectively under pressure in fast‑changing environments. Works independently with accountability, exercising sound judgment and initiative while maintaining alignment with organizational priorities. Effective facilitator of decision‑making, coordinating the work of others and driving timely resolution of complex issues. Crafts concise, decision‑ready summaries for leadership, clearly framing risks, options, and recommendations. Strong organization and prioritization, managing multiple deliverables, running risk/change control, aligning stakeholders (including service providers), and providing status and governance updates. Strong stakeholder management and collaboration capabilities, fostering trust and effective partnerships. Sound judgment and accountability with emphasis on ambiguity, escalation management, and consensus‑building on process/technology improvements. Enterprise Leadership Skills Networking & Partnerships | Builds and sustains collaborative partnerships across GDMS, Finance, IT, and functional leaders to align forecasting assumptions, standardize metrics, and coordinate portfolio and resource priorities. Business Savviness | Applies strong operational and financial acumen to interpret portfolio performance, workforce capacity, and variance trends, guiding data‑driven resource planning and efficiency decisions within the assigned scope. Influence | Influences cross‑functional stakeholders by translating complex capacity, financial, and performance data into clear trade‑offs, recommendations, and aligned action plans within governance forums. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 8+ years' experience in a relevant field for associated job description – or – Advanced Degree (Masters or Doctorate) and a minimum of 4+ years' experience in relevant field for associated job description Required Skills Change Management Clinical Data Management Clinical Data Standards Clinical Trials Collaborative Development Data Analysis Data Quality Assurance Data Reporting Data Validation Detail‑Oriented Forecasting Good Clinical Data Management Practice (GCDMP) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Stakeholder Engagement 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. Salary Range $142,400.00 - $224,100.00 Equal Employment Opportunity 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. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck