Packaging Strategy Lead, Associate Director

MSD; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD in Rahway, NJ is seeking an Associate Director, Packaging, to define and execute packaging strategies that meet global network needs. You will lead robust packaging designs and risk-based controls across CMC, coordinating with upstream and downstream teams to ensure launch readiness and compliance.

You will guide qualification activities for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging, including blow-fill-seal technologies, while balancing cost, resources, and timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar with ten (10) years of relevant pharmaceutical development experience; OR MS/PhD with 8 years
• Demonstrated understanding of pharmaceutical development process and ability to design, develop, and test primary and secondary packaging components.
• Demonstrated understanding of the use of Risk Assessment tools.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team.
• Experience in leading cross‑functional groups both internally and externally.
• Experience with blow‑fill‑seal technologies for sterile pharmaceutical packaging systems.
• Project management experience and ability to provide technical leadership for complex projects while managing multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent technical written and oral communication skills that support presentation of information clearly and concisely for all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of current US and global Regulations, ICH guidance, ISO standards, and quality system regulations for pharmaceutical packaging.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Ability to manage complex programs and support multiple activities/projects.
• Willingness to grow and learn all areas of Pharmaceutical new product development.

Responsibilities

• Ensure packaging system designs are robust, packaging processes are efficient, and control strategies are integrated with both upstream and downstream needs.
• Drive risk understanding and reduction prior to product launch.
• Conduct technical risk assessments, develop packaging specifications, and oversee qualification activities.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and sustainability goals.
• Represent, communicate, and balance the interests of stakeholders.
• Drive the right risk posture that balances technical probability, cost, resources, and trade‑offs across various groups.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the end‑to‑end continuum of CMC areas.
• Develop and commercialize new products on cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Coordinate

Change Management

Collaborative Leadership

Cross‑Functional Teamwork

GMP / Regulatory Compliance

Process Definition

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

B.S. in Packaging Engineering/related

MS/PhD with 8+ years

Job description

MSD in Rahway, NJ is seeking an Associate Director, Packaging, to define and execute packaging strategies that meet global network needs. You will lead robust packaging designs and risk-based controls across CMC, coordinating with upstream and downstream teams to ensure launch readiness and compliance.

You will guide qualification activities for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging, including blow-fill-seal technologies, while balancing cost, resources, and timelines.