Sector OT Project & Portfolio Manager (all genders, full-/part-time)

Your Role: An exciting new opportunity has arisen to join OT team at Life Science as sector OT Project and Portfolio Manager. You will be responsible to lead the strategic OT Project and Portfolio pillar for the ISCO network of 50+ manufacturing sites. In collaboration with the site OT teams, peers from other sectors, sector and corporate IT, you will be responsible to create roadmaps and project plans, that are tailored for both local needs and globally driven initiatives, moving Merck towards the vision of connected plants. As a global lead, you will own the OT Portfolio CoP(s) with sites, to link customer voices to global programs and projects to improve Merck’s digital infrastructure and maximize value, while keeping the overall ambitions and priorities in focus. You will be interacting with other core OT pillars such as OT Service and Lifecycle Management, OT Architecture, and OT Cybersecurity. You will also be interacting with corporate IT infrastructure and IT application teams, as well as corporate security teams. The role is key to drive governance in the field of OT for Life Science and build trust and clear direction with sites and enabling functions. This will set the foundations for our Industry 4.0 ambition.
The position will require approx 15% of travels.

Key responsibilities are:

• Develop and implement a global OT portfolio strategy with standards/blueprints and guidance aligned with business priorities, budget and risk.
• Orchestrate the portfolio intake by keeping close connection to the sites.
• Build and own consolidated OT roadmap for the sector.
• Assure site OT master plans are current and aligned with latest sector OT portfolio strategy.
• Orchestrate sector lead project execution across all Life Science sites.
• Align Sector OT portfolio strategy with external teams from IT, cybersecurity, and quality.
• Own stakeholder management informing and supporting both sites and sector functions on OT portfolio decisions driving transparency (CAPEX, OPEX).
• Monitor and report on the OT portfolio, providing visibility and adherence to agreed KPIs.
• Conduct regular OT portfolio reviews with business stakeholders to align on priorities.
• Manage external partnerships with key IT/OT solution and service providers.
• Drive simplification and rationalization of OT portfolio to reduce costs.

Who You Are:

• Graduate degree in industrial automation (or equivalent).
• Several years (ideally 10+) of experience in OT (manufacturing required, lab optional).
• Several years (ideally 10+) of experience in leading OT (automation, I4.0) projects and teams.
• Hands-on experience in conduction OT projects to understand complexity and risk.
• Domain knowledge in:
• Manufacturing: Understanding of industrial processes, machinery, and control systems.
• OT Systems: Including IO, PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, Historians and MES/EBR.
• IT/OT Convergence: Expertise in integrating OT systems into IT infrastructure.
• Industrial Networks: Fieldbus protocols, network architecture principles, ISA-99.
• Project Management: Knowledge of PM processes end to end.
• Portfolio Management: Ability to derive programs or projects from an OT strategy.
• Compliance: Understanding of industry regulations and compliance standards related to OT.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in GxP environments beneficial.
• Ability to interact with senior management in a matrix organization.
• Ability to develop long term vision and strategic decision making.
• Ability to orchestrate external partners and internal teams.
• Strategic thinking, systematic problem solving, and assertiveness in plan execution.
• Multicultural experience, fluent in English and at least one additional language.
• Strong communication, persuasion and coaching skills.