Executive Director, AI Transformation & Enablement

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 232,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks an Executive Director, Transformation Enablement & AI Adoption, to lead Global Clinical Development's transformation initiatives and accelerate AI adoption across GCD and GCTO.

You'll partner with ESO, BARDS, R&D IT, and other functions to build the AI Community of Practice, drive adoption, measure value, and scale capabilities in a regulated environment. This role provides executive leadership, strategic coordination, and workforce readiness for AI-enabled

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-scale business transformation initiatives.
• Hands-on experience with AI-enabled solutions, including agentic builds and technical fluency with evolving AI capabilities.
• Proven ability to establish and scale new operating models across global organizations.
• Experience translating emerging technologies into business value and operational outcomes.
• Strong understanding of organizational change management, adoption strategy, and value realization methodologies.
• Understanding of clinical development processes and the clinical research operating environment.
• Experience governing large portfolios of strategic initiatives and investment decisions.
• Ability to define meaningful business outcomes, success metrics, and transformation KPIs.
• Experience building communities, networks, and capability development programs that accelerate organizational change.
• Demonstrated expertise in clinical development with a track record of leading transformation, digital, or operational excellence initiatives in regulated environment.
• Proficiency in emerging digital technologies, including AI, automation, analytics, and agentic solutions, translating capabilities into value and adoption.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-scale transformation initiatives aligned to GCD priorities.
• Drive AI-enabled solutions and automation through the GCD AI Community of Practice and AI/Automation Hub.
• Establish governance, adoption planning, and value realization across global teams.
• Measure adoption, proficiency, and business impact with defined KPIs.
• Foster a culture of innovation, responsible AI, and workforce readiness for new ways of working.
• Coordinate with ESO, Lighthouse leadership, and functional partners to ensure alignment with strategies.
• Provide feedback to inform prioritization and investment decisions across Lighthouse programs.

Skills

AI Enablement

Artificial Intelligence

Building Capability

Building Trust

Clinical Data Management

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Digital Implementation

Digital Partnerships

Digital Transformation

Enterprise Leadership

Executive Leadership

Influencing Skills

Process Management

Strategic Objectives

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific, healthcare, business, technology, or related discipline

Advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate) with leadership experience

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks an Executive Director, Transformation Enablement & AI Adoption, to lead Global Clinical Development's transformation initiatives and accelerate AI adoption across GCD and GCTO.

You'll partner with ESO, BARDS, R&D IT, and other functions to build the AI Community of Practice, drive adoption, measure value, and scale capabilities in a regulated environment. This role provides executive leadership, strategic coordination, and workforce readiness for AI-enabled