Job DescriptionPosition SummaryWe are seeking a high-impact Associate Director, Project Management. The role will be responsible for driving strategic planning and execution, managing BE key initiatives, overseeing budget and operations, and enabling transformation to drive Agile ways of working.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the development and execution of the Business Excellence department’s strategic priorities and roadmapDrive annual and long-term planning, including initiative prioritization Establish governance mechanisms to orchestrate and track strategic initiatives, ensuring delivery against timelines, milestones, and OKRsAct as a central coordination point across teams to drive execution excellenceSupport business case development and drive value realization for strategic programsFacilitate effective communication and reporting of project progress to senior leadershipLead departmental budgeting, financial planning, and expense tracking processes, Ensuring optimal allocation of resources to strategic priorities and initiativesDesign and manage internal communication strategies to enhance visibility and impact of Business Excellence initiativesLead planning and execution of department-level events, workshops, and leadership engagementsDrive Agile transformation initiatives across the function, fostering modern, collaborative ways of workingEstablish governance, processes, and roles to enhance delivery effectiveness.Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and cross-functional collaborationQualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferredExperience8+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, business excellence, or transformation roles, prior experience in a top-tier consulting firm strongly preferredExperience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences industry is a strong plusProven track record of leading cross-functional, large-scale strategic or transformation initiativesCore CompetenciesStrong strategic thinking and business acumenExcellent analytical and problem-solving skillsStrong project/program management capabilitiesAbility to influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across functionsStrong communication and storytelling skillsExperience in data analytics, digital, or AI-driven initiatives is preferredFamiliarity with Agile methodologies and change managementRequired Skills: Business Acumen, Business Decisions, Data Analysis, Department Budgeting, Expense Tracking, Financial Management, Innovative Solutions, Knowledge Management, Project Management, Risk Management, Strategic PlanningPreferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERECurrent Contingent Workers apply HERESearch Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status: RegularRelocation:No relocationVISA Sponsorship:NoTravel Requirements:No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):n/aJob Posting End Date:11/30/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.