Global Launch Planning Lead, Supply Chain

Merck & Co.; Wilson (NC); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Domestic relocation support

Job summary

Merck & Co. in the United States invites an Associate Director, Supply Chain Management to lead end-to-end launches in first major markets, reporting to the Director of GLP.

You will lead cross-functional teams across marketing, finance, manufacturing, and regulatory, develop market launch plans, mitigate risks, and shepherd products from launch through hypercare to sustaining ownership in a global matrix. This role emphasizes strategic supply planning, strong communication, and continuous

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of experience in supply chain, launch planning, and/or manufacturing operations in pharma/biotech.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and program management.
• Experience with APICS CSCP or Lean Six Sigma is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional launch teams for assigned products from launch prep through hypercare and transition to sustaining owners.
• Partner with Value Chain Management to ensure launch plans align with GFLS and Supply Chain Design requirements.
• Develop launch supply scenarios with commercial, planning, and ops research teams and translate into clear options for decision-makers.
• Identify risks to launch and ongoing supply, mitigations, and governance-driven resolutions.
• Contribute to business continuity planning with technology, manufacturing sites, procurement, regulatory, and commercial partners.
• Support cross-functional Global Event Management for new product supply interruptions to minimize impact.

Skills

7+ years exp

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Lean/Continuous improvement

Global/cultural collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Engineering/Science/Business

Advanced degree preferred

APICS CSCP

Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

Tools

SAP

Rapid Response/Kinaxis

Maestro

Job description

Merck & Co. in the United States invites an Associate Director, Supply Chain Management to lead end-to-end launches in first major markets, reporting to the Director of GLP.

You will lead cross-functional teams across marketing, finance, manufacturing, and regulatory, develop market launch plans, mitigate risks, and shepherd products from launch through hypercare to sustaining ownership in a global matrix. This role emphasizes strategic supply planning, strong communication, and continuous