Head of Portfolio Operations - Strategic Programs ( all genders)

Merck Life Science; Darmstadt; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 120.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head of Portfolio Operations to lead strategic initiatives in bioprocessing. This role involves driving operational readiness, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with market needs. The ideal candidate will have over a decade of experience in strategic operations, a strong background in leadership, and a knack for navigating complex environments. Join a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence, where your contributions will make a significant impact on the future of life sciences.

Qualifikationen

• 10+ years’ experience in strategic operation or supply chain roles.
• Proven leadership experience managing senior professionals.

Aufgaben

• Shape and drive the SUIPS long-range plan to anticipate market trends.
• Lead critical business initiatives including Strategic Investment Programs.

Kenntnisse

Strategic Operations

Supply Chain Management

Leadership

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Financial Acumen

Risk Management

Operational Excellence

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Business

MBA

Natural Sciences or Engineering

Jobbeschreibung

Work Your Magic with us!

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

At Single-Use and Integrated Platform Solutions within Process Solutions, we are committed to transforming the future of bioprocessing. To support this ambition, we are looking for a senior leader to join our leadership team as the Head of Portfolio Operations – Strategic Programs for the Single Use & Integrated Platform Solutions (SUIPS) business.

Your Impact

In this highly visible role, you will act as the strategic engine behind our operational readiness. You will ensure we remain competitive, resilient, and aligned with market needs by driving long-range planning, cross-functional execution, and business transformation initiatives. You will be a key interface between commercial, supply chain, and operations—translating strategic intent into action.

Your Role

Strategic & Business Leadership

• Shape and drive the SUIPS long-range plan to anticipate future market trends and business needs.
• Represent SUIPS as IBM business lead, aligning operational priorities with strategic direction.
• Translate commercial and customer needs into concrete operational requirements and execution plans.
• Serve as the main interface to the value chain, ensuring seamless integration of commercial, supply, and quality functions.
  
  

Operational Execution & Excellence

• Lead critical business initiatives including Strategic Investment Programs (SIPs), operational efficiency programs, and change projects.
• Own and oversee business case development, CAPA implementations, and investment planning.
• Ensure flawless introduction of new products into our operations and supply chains.
  
  

Risk Management & Process Optimization

• Drive risk mitigation initiatives, second sourcing strategies, and supply continuity plans.
• Monitor and respond proactively to disruptions, compliance risks, and emerging challenges.
  
  

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and inspire a team of senior professionals, building a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative culture.
• Drive clarity, focus, and development across the team to deliver on SUIPS’ strategic objectives.
  
  

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Business, Natural Sciences, Engineering, or related disciplines (e.g., Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharma), MBA is a plus
• 10+ years’ experience in strategic operation or supply chain roles, product management, strategic marketing, or management consulting—preferably in biotech, pharma, or life sciences.
• Proven leadership experience managing senior professionals and developing high-performing teams, at least 5 years.
• Demonstrated success in a matrix environment managing complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong business acumen and execution focus with a strategic, process-oriented mindset. Project management certification is a plus
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Well versed in senior management communication, presentations, and interactions.
• Strong financial skills, ability to build and translate strategic initiatives into solid business cases and plans
• Experience with investment planning, CAPA processes, and operational excellence programs.
• Fluency in English; German is a plus.
  
  

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and believe that it drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of our diverse team!