Associate Director, Planning & Scheduling - Onsite

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a seasoned leader to head Global Label Production within the GCS organization. You will oversee end-to-end label development, validation, and QA while ensuring GMP compliance and timely delivery to clinical sites.

The role requires proven people management, project leadership, and a track record of optimizing labeling processes. Expect regular audits, SOP development, and cross-functional collaboration across global teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years in Pharmaceutical Operations.
• Or a HS diploma with 6+ years relevant experience.
• Experience in GMP and batch records is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead label production, QA, and GMP-compliant processes.
• Manage training, audits, and SOP preparation.
• Plan and optimize label production schedules and resources.
• Drive process improvements and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Company Policies

Customer Satisfaction

Leadership

People Management

Planning

Product Integrity

Quality Standards

SOP

Team Management

SAP

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High School Diploma with 6 years experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Description

The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization manages the “end-to-end” clinical supply for the company’s portfolio. GCS is accountable for the planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to clinical sites across more than 60+ countries, in compliance with worldwide regulations, company policies and standard operating procedures.

Primary Activities

• Ensure each component or bulk material used in label production is properly identified, not expired, and verified throughout processing, and that it corresponds to the written information on the work order before proceeding to the next step.
• Print, inspect, proof, and maintain accountability for clinical product labels.
• Maintain label inventory, including the disposal of expired materials.
• Serve as a Qualified Trainer.
• Conduct periodic quality inspections during the printing process to ensure product integrity.
• Prepare shipments of labels to external packaging sites.
• Receive bulk labels from booklet manufacturing vendors.
• Participate in equipment-related testing and upgrades.
• Ensure team members perform tasks in accordance with GMP and batch record instructions.
• Initiate and implement process improvements aimed at increasing quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency.
• Monitor the production schedule on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis while managing group headcount and employee utilization.
• Advance operational capabilities by identifying new opportunities, seeking input from key stakeholders, and implementing ideas.
• Lead, promote, and support the use of innovation and technology in Label Production.
• Regularly evaluate employee performance, conduct development discussions, and complete year-end performance reviews.
• Manage the team, including problem-solving and proactive escalation to next-level management when needed.
• Lead local and global label projects, including organizing meetings and delegating tasks.
• Author, review, and approve standard operating procedures and job aids for packaging and labeling activities.
• Participate in and support internal and external audits.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance team efficiency.
• Coordinate and train new employees.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with four (4) years of relevant experience, or
• High School Diploma or equivalent with six (6) years of relevant experience in Pharmaceutical Operations, preferably in a clinical supply-related area.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• At least two (2) years of experience in management or leadership positions required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in supply chain or operations preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functional boundaries in multicultural environments to align stakeholders and drive tech transfer strategies and solutions.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, strong verbal and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of clinical supplies and supply chain processes with relevant regulatory and GMP requirements.
• Ability to establish clear goals, delegate effectively, and hold self and others accountable.
• Ability to succeed in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Well-developed team facilitation and leadership skills, with the ability to build inclusive team environments.
• Proven project and team management skills.
• Prior experience with SAP is beneficial.

Required Skills

Company Policies, Customer Satisfaction, Leadership, People Management, Planning, Product Integrity, Quality Standards, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Team Management

Preferred Skills

Clinical Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Operations

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Requirements

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

Salary

The salary range for this role is $129,000.00 - $203,100.00

Bonus and Incentive

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Job Details

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): No