Global Trial Optimization Leader

Merck; Upper Gwynedd Township (Montgomery County); Hybrid; USD 256,000 - 403,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship

Hybrid work arrangement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Head of Global Trial Optimization (GTO) in Rahway, NJ, to provide strategic leadership, mentorship and oversight for senior GTO staff and critical trial deliverables. The role focuses on organizational design, process optimization, budget oversight and high-priority program coordination.

The candidate will coordinate with CSSM, GPAM, and country operations to implement data-driven recruitment and trial feasibility strategies, ensuring quality, compliance and accelerated

Qualifications

• 15+ years of clinical research experience in the pharmaceutical industry (US and ex-US).
• Strong leadership and collaboration with integrity and ethics.
• Excellent written and spoken English; ability to communicate with senior leadership.
• Data-driven portfolio strategy and resource planning experience.
• Knowledge of GCP/ICH and regulatory guidelines.
• Project management and site operations experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership for the Global Trial Optimization (GTO) group overseeing key deliverables.
• Mentor senior GTO staff, optimize organizational design and processes, and manage budgets.
• Drive risk management, stakeholder communication, and portfolio optimization across trials.
• Lead collaboration with CSSM, GPAM, country operations, investigators, and vendors.
• Oversight of trials and studies to improve quality, compliance, and patient access.

Skills

CRO Management

Clinical Trials Ops

Cross-Cultural Awareness

Leadership

GCP/ICH

Data Analysis

Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree; advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Merck is seeking a Head of Global Trial Optimization (GTO) in Rahway, NJ, to provide strategic leadership, mentorship and oversight for senior GTO staff and critical trial deliverables. The role focuses on organizational design, process optimization, budget oversight and high-priority program coordination.

The candidate will coordinate with CSSM, GPAM, and country operations to implement data-driven recruitment and trial feasibility strategies, ensuring quality, compliance and accelerated