Global Program Manager (Development Operations)

Merck; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 3,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in India seeks a Global Program Manager to partner with the Global Program Head and GPT to execute Integrated Evidence plans, manage budgets, timelines, and quality, and align stakeholders across the organization. The role supports continuous improvement and transformational initiatives within the GPT, with a focus on program governance and rapid decision-making.

The position requires 7–9 years in global drug development, a PM/PMI or IPMA certification preferred, and strong English

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Masters degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• PMI/IPMA certification preferred.
• 7–9 years of experience in drug development in the global pharmaceutical industry with experience in strategic project management.
• Experience working in a global matrix team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional program management activities for one or more lifecycle management GPT.
• Leads taskforces or workstreams identified by PST/GPT to deliver quality results within agreed timeline.
• Accountable for cross-functional team meeting setup, logistics and collaboration with GPH/PML on agenda/minutes.
• Develop and format PowerPoint slide decks in partnership with GPH/PML.
• Coordinate communications including SharePoint and Teams collaboration sites and distribution lists.

Skills

Program management

PMI/IPMA cert

English communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor/Master in Life Sciences

Tools

SharePoint

Teams

Microsoft Office

AI tools

Job description

Job Summary

Position Title - Global Program Manager.

Key Accountabilities. Partners with the Global Program Head (GPH), Program Management Lead (PML) and the Global Program Team (GPT) members in the execution of Integrated Evidence plans and integrated program plan, achieving on-time or accelerated decision points and milestones. Manages cost, timelines, and quality of program and/or taskforce activities. Leads or assists with program quarterly budget forecasts, and other budgeting activities. Supports GPH/PML with program communication coordination and ensures information flow within the GPT. Acts as an integrator to ensure alignment and leverage best practices, collaborate with team members to establish efficient processes within the GPT. Tracks and follows up on action items from team meetings and ensures project stakeholders are fully informed of team decisions. Functions as a change agent for continuous improvement and transformational initiative implementation within the GPT. Global Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading cross-functional program management activities for one or more life- cycle management Global Program Team (GPT) if applicable.
• Leads taskforces or workstreams identified by PST/GPT to deliver quality results within agreed timeline.
• Accountable for cross-functional team meeting set-up, logistics and collaborating with GPH and/or PML on agenda/minutes.
• Develop and format PowerPoint slide decks, in partnership with the GPH and/or PML.
• Partners with the PML and/or GPH on communications including developing and maintaining SharePoint and Microsoft Teams collaboration sites, program level distribution lists, Team Roster, Action Items, Decision Log (or delegate to Program Coordinator if applicable).
• Supports GPH/PML to coordinate the set-up and logistics for program off-site meetings and events (PML/PM can delegate to Program Coordinator if applicable).
• Collaborates with GPT members to develop high-quality data packages for governance and committee interactions to enable fast decision-making if applicable.
• Accountable for the quality and accuracy of program-level data in the iMAP system in partnership with the Project Planner.
• For projects that are being jointly developed, work closely with alliance management to manage a key strategic alliance partner.
• Coordinates the process of updating program dashboard/reports.
• Program Manager is an (extended) member of the core team for the drug development program.
• Plays a key role in planning, executing, monitoring, reporting, controlling, and closing out projects.
• Accountable for the project time lines, budget and scope, the project risk management and scenario planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Masters degree in Life Sciences or other discipline related to drug development.
• Professional Project Management training, certification (e.g., PMI, IPMA) preferred.
• 7-9 years of experience in drug development in the global pharmaceutical industry with experience in strategic project management.
• Experience working in a global matrix team environment preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent technical skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, experience with AI tools).
• Appropriate leadership skills and ability to influence without authority with clear potential for leadership roles in the future.
• The work location is open to either Bangalore or Mumbai.