Geography Lead, Associate Director – Data & Ops

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an Associate Director, Geography Lead to oversee day-to-day data-management operations across the assigned geography.

You will drive efficiency, quality, compliance, and staffing across sites, aligning GDMS standards with regional strategy and resourcing. You will lead local teams, coach staff, manage budgets, and partner with cross-functional leaders to balance workload, forecast needs, and ensure audit readiness.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in organizational management in biopharma or related field.
• Experience leading geography-wide data-management operations and staff.
• Familiarity with GDMS/GCTO processes, audit readiness and 21 CFR Part 11 controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day data-management execution within the geography, ensuring efficiency, quality, compliance and inspection readiness.
• Lead recruiting, performance management and staff development for local teams; manage budgets and resources.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leads to align strategies, capacity planning, metrics and change initiatives.
• Promote standardized, risk-based, digital practices and timely delivery of study data.

Skills

People management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Science/Management or related field

Job description

Merck & Co. is seeking an Associate Director, Geography Lead to oversee day-to-day data-management operations across the assigned geography.

You will drive efficiency, quality, compliance, and staffing across sites, aligning GDMS standards with regional strategy and resourcing. You will lead local teams, coach staff, manage budgets, and partner with cross-functional leaders to balance workload, forecast needs, and ensure audit readiness.