Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Strategy

Merck; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 256,000 - 403,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement benefits (401k)

Paid holidays and vacation

Sick days and family benefits

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development, to set the strategic direction for the vaccine drug product portfolio from early development through commercialization. This senior leader will influence investments, guide critical launch-readiness decisions, and shape capabilities to meet future priorities.

The role demands deep expertise in vaccine and sterile drug product development, and a proven ability to build talent, drive collaboration, and deliver results

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in vaccine, biologics, or sterile drug product development.
• Experience leading vaccine or sterile drug product strategy across development, CMC, regulatory, technology transfer, and launch-readiness activities.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the strategic vision, priorities, and operating model for Vaccine Drug Product, ensuring alignment with portfolio, launch, and business objectives.
• Lead vaccine drug product development from early strategy through commercial launch, including formulation, process development, sterile manufacturing, fill-finish, technology transfer, and lifecycle management.
• Shape vaccine drug product strategies that inform investment decisions, business cases, and commercialization plans.
• Partner across functions to ensure development programs are scientifically robust, operationally feasible, and commercially successful.
• Build, develop, and inspire high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and inclusive leadership.
• Communicate with clarity and influence across all levels of the organization, including senior leaders and governance forums.

Skills

Vaccine development

Sterile drug product

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder collaboration

Regulatory submissions

CMC strategy

Technology transfer

Commercialization

Data-driven decisions

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent

Job description

Merck is seeking an Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development, to set the strategic direction for the vaccine drug product portfolio from early development through commercialization. This senior leader will influence investments, guide critical launch-readiness decisions, and shape capabilities to meet future priorities.

The role demands deep expertise in vaccine and sterile drug product development, and a proven ability to build talent, drive collaboration, and deliver results