Assoc Dir Project Management

Job Description **Position Summary** We 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 Responsibilities** * Lead the development and execution of the Business Excellence department’s strategic priorities and roadmap * Drive annual and long-term planning, including initiative prioritization * Establish governance mechanisms to orchestrate and track strategic initiatives, ensuring delivery against timelines, milestones, and OKRs * Act as a central coordination point across teams to drive execution excellence * Support business case development and drive value realization for strategic programs * Facilitate effective communication and reporting of project progress to senior leadership * Lead departmental budgeting, financial planning, and expense tracking processes, Ensuring optimal allocation of resources to strategic priorities and initiatives * Design and manage internal communication strategies to enhance visibility and impact of Business Excellence initiatives * Lead planning and execution of department-level events, workshops, and leadership engagements * Drive Agile transformation initiatives across the function, fostering modern, collaborative ways of working * Establish governance, processes, and roles to enhance delivery effectiveness. * Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration **Qualifications & Experience** **Education** * Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred **Experience** * 8+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, business excellence, or transformation roles, prior experience in a top-tier consulting firm strongly preferred * Experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences industry is a strong plus * Proven track record of leading cross-functional, large-scale strategic or transformation initiatives **Core Competencies** * Strong strategic thinking and business acumen * Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills * Strong project/program management capabilities * Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across functions * Strong communication and storytelling skills * Experience in data analytics, digital, or AI-driven initiatives is preferred * Familiarity with Agile methodologies and change management **Required Skills:** Business Acumen, Business Decisions, Data Analysis, Department Budgeting, Expense Tracking, Financial Management, Innovative Solutions, Knowledge Management, Project Management, Risk Management, Strategic Planning **Preferred Skills:** Current Employees apply [HERE](https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld) Current Contingent Workers apply [HERE](https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld) **Search 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:** Regular **Relocation:** No relocation **VISA Sponsorship:** No **Travel Requirements:** No Travel Required **Flexible Work Arrangements:** Not Applicable **Shift:** Not Indicated **Valid Driving License:** No **Hazardous Material(s):** n/a **Job Posting End Date:** 10/31/2026 **\*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.**