Global Launch Supply Chain Lead

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

Job summary

Merck seeks an Associate Director, Supply Chain Management within Global Launch Planning to lead end-to-end product launches in major markets, coordinating with cross-functional partners and guiding hypercare transition to sustaining owners.

This senior role emphasizes risk mitigation, cross‑functional leadership, and process improvement to ensure timely, compliant introductions. Hybrid work arrangement with global visibility across teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in supply chain, launch planning, and/or manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• PM experience in cross-functional/cross-divisional environment.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive ownership and accountability without direct authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex, ambiguous information clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple competing priorities, work in an environment of uncertainty, and develop proactive risk‑mitigation plans.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to synthesize data into informed recommendations.
• Continuous improvement/Lean mindset, with the ability to apply and improve standard work.
• Proactive mindset to anticipate and solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional/divisional launch teams for assigned products, from launch preparation through hypercare, and execute a formal, documented transition to designated 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, E2E Planning, and Operations Research modeling teams; translate scenarios into clear options and recommendations for decision‑makers.
• Identify risks to launch and ongoing supply, develop mitigations, and drive resolution within the working team; elevate through governance forums with clear options and recommendations.
• Contribute to business continuity planning for assigned products with technology, manufacturing sites, procurement, regulatory, and commercial partners.
• Support cross‑functional Global Event Management activities for new product supply interruptions, minimizing impact to supply, discard, revenue, and Company reputation.

Skills

SCM experience

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Risk mitigation

Analytical skills

Lean/Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

SAP

Rapid Response/Kinaxis

Maestro

Job description

Merck seeks an Associate Director, Supply Chain Management within Global Launch Planning to lead end-to-end product launches in major markets, coordinating with cross-functional partners and guiding hypercare transition to sustaining owners.

This senior role emphasizes risk mitigation, cross‑functional leadership, and process improvement to ensure timely, compliant introductions. Hybrid work arrangement with global visibility across teams.