Executive Director & Chief of Staff, Global Trials Ops

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 256,000 - 403,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

401(k) plan

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Executive Director, Chief of Staff to partner with the SVP of Global Clinical Trial Operations. The role translates enterprise priorities into focused execution, strengthens operating rhythms, and surfaces issues needing leadership attention.

The ideal candidate will lead governance, drive data‑driven decisions, and accelerate adoption of AI-enabled ways of working across a regulated global organization.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to influence, integrate, and drive alignment with senior leaders and cross-functional teams in a complex, matrixed, regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives, operational excellence, transformation, productivity, cost, or simplification programs from strategy through execution.
• Strong digital and AI leadership, including experience applying enterprise-approved AI, automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven approaches to modernize clinical trial delivery and ways of working.
• Maintains relevant digital curriculum completion or certification expectations, such as GCTO Elevate for internal applicants, with role‑appropriate progression over time.
• Strong judgment, decision‑making, and prioritization skills; able to operate autonomously in ambiguous, fast‑moving, and sensitive contexts.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities, surface trade‑offs, and drive closure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to synthesize complex information into clear executive messages, recommendations, and decision materials.
• Strong change leadership and global collaboration skills; able to influence adoption and drive outcomes across geographies, cultures, and reporting lines.

Responsibilities

• Translate enterprise and GCTO priorities into clear execution plans, measurable outcomes, and disciplined operating rhythms.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the SVP, bringing external landscape awareness and data-driven recommendations to advance trial operations.
• Identify and mobilize high-impact initiatives that improve trial delivery, quality, speed, simplicity, productivity, cost, and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead annual priority setting, goal tracking, risk identification, mitigation planning, and senior leadership reporting for GCTO priorities.
• Design and facilitate leadership governance, including Leadership Team meetings, barrier-removal discussions, and decision forums; ensure clear owners and follow‑through.
• Surface issues, elevate barriers, and drive timely resolution of risks or decisions affecting portfolio execution and regulatory readiness.
• Drive modernization of trial operations through simplification, quality by design, and responsible use of AI and digital capabilities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communications

AI leadership

Risk management

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Ph.D. or doctorate

Job description

Merck is seeking an Executive Director, Chief of Staff to partner with the SVP of Global Clinical Trial Operations. The role translates enterprise priorities into focused execution, strengthens operating rhythms, and surfaces issues needing leadership attention.

The ideal candidate will lead governance, drive data‑driven decisions, and accelerate adoption of AI-enabled ways of working across a regulated global organization.