Senior Program Manager

Merck & Co.; Holly Springs (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking a Program Manager to oversee program planning and delivery in Holly Springs, North Carolina. The role requires experience in project management, emphasizing customer collaboration and risk management. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree and has at least eight years of relevant experience.

The Program Manager will lead various program elements, ensuring effective execution and timely delivery while also maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• At least eight years of relevant experience including project management.
• Experience in a CDMO organization is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of programs.
• Coordinate completion of contract elements and develop the Master Project Plan.
• Conduct risk management and track program performance.

Skills

Project management skills

Customer relationship management

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

Position Overview

Program Manager accountable for planning and delivery of programs from contract signature through program closure. Handles an average load of 1‑3 programs and receives coaching and guidance from the Head of Program Management. The role may support the FDBN facility Program Management team and programs executed at the FDBN site. Additional responsibilities may include initial customer interface support, commercial collaboration, and process design for program initiation. The role engages all stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to customer service and delivery.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of programs in alignment with the FOB‑Program Management business case, including vision, mission, SWOT/SIPOC, and strategy‑goals‑objectives.
• Onboard with the Sales Team and become the primary liaison for program planning and execution once a verbal win or Letter of Intent is confirmed.
• Engage impacted functional areas for inputs to ensure SOW elements are complete and realistic.
• Organize the SOW based on revenue‑generating segments of work.
• Align financial activities and program milestones (SOW, PPS, revenue recognition milestones, change orders, invoicing/payment) with the Master Project Plan.
• Coordinate completion of contract elements (BSA‑MSA, Quality Agreement, PPS, SOW).
• Develop and maintain the Master Project Plan, including accurate durations and accountabilities for all revenue‑generating milestones across the program scope.
• Partner with the Sales Team to identify opportunities for additional work within the current contract.
• Collaborate with functional roles overseeing planning and execution to ensure MPP revenue milestones translate into functional deliverables.
• Ensure pricing strategy is applied correctly and that work beyond the SOW/contract is covered by change orders.
• Conduct cross‑functional program kick‑offs (internal and client). Assemble the core team, educate stakeholders about the client, molecule, indications, and scope of work.
• Support and drive set‑up activities, define risks and mitigation actions for materials, equipment, long lead times, specifications, methods, etc.
• Confirm Joint Steering Committees and project teams for all programs.
• Organize, lead, and facilitate cross‑functional project teams, provide a standard agenda, meeting summaries, and an appropriate meeting cadence.
• Assign and track specific functional accountabilities.
• Conduct risk management within and across programs.
• Ensure MPP milestones are met.
• Escalate unresolved issues, risks, and decisions to functional leaders and S&OP meetings as required.
• Track and report program performance (financial and delivery metrics, monthly reports, quarterly and annual leadership reviews, revenue change logs).
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate and timely completion of financial transactions and maintain a change log for each program.
• Participate in all Program Management department meetings and program meetings. Escalate unresolved issues and risks as necessary.
• Drive team adherence to MPP milestones and monitor deliverables.
• Maintain and post a tracker of risks and action‑who‑when for functional deliverables.
• Track and report delays; escalate delays or revenue/quality impact.
• Attend S&OP meetings, provide program updates, and maintain alignment with the MPP.

Mindset & Culture

• Prioritize, manage risk, and make decisions while integrating customer requirements and contract knowledge.
• Focus on productivity, efficiency, simplification, and right‑first‑time delivery.
• Maintain strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills across all audiences.
• Apply business acumen, client technology knowledge, emotional intelligence, and self‑awareness.
• Maintain customer focus and collaborative relationships, solicit and respond to feedback, and provide regular updates.
• Actively engage, remain action‑oriented, resilient, and neutral when leading programs and teams.

Compliance

• Keep current on cGMP, regulatory, and quality requirements impacting FDBN manufacturing and client guidance.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (sciences, business, etc.) plus at least eight years of relevant experience, including project or program management skills.

Preferred Requirements

• Extensive experience in project and program management and proven customer relationship management.
• Experience within a CDMO organization is an asset.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of biologics manufacturing requirements.

EEO Information

Fujifilm is committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion, and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.

ADA Information

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department ([e-mail]).