Associate Director, Planning & Scheduling (m/f/d)

Job Description

The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization manages the “end-to-end” clinical supply for the company’s portfolio.  GCS is accountable for the planning, sourcing, labelling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to clinical sites across more than 60+ countries, in compliance with worldwide regulations, company policies and standard operating procedures.

The Print Team Lead is responsible for overseeing daily label production operations, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality standards, driving process improvements, supporting team development and coordinating both local and global labelling activities to meet operational goals efficiently and effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure each component or bulk material used in label production is properly identified, not expired and verified throughout processing and that it corresponds to the written information on the work order before proceeding to the next step.

• Print, inspect, proof and maintain accountability for clinical product labels.

• Maintain label inventory, including the disposal of expired materials.

• Serve as a Qualified Trainer.

• Conduct periodic quality inspections during the printing process to ensure product integrity.

• Prepare shipments of labels to external packaging sites.

• Receive bulk labels from booklet manufacturing vendors.

• Participate in equipment-related testing and upgrades.

• Ensure team members perform tasks in accordance with GMP and batch record instructions.

• Initiate and implement process improvements aimed at increasing quality, customer satisfaction and efficiency.

• Monitor the production schedule on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis while managing group headcount and employee utilization.

• Advance operational capabilities by identifying new opportunities, seeking input from key stakeholders and implementing ideas.

• Lead, promote, and support the use of innovation and technology in Label Production.

• Regularly evaluate employee performance, conduct development discussions and complete year-end performance reviews.

• Manage the team, including problem-solving and proactive escalation to next-level management when needed.

• Lead local and global label projects, including organizing meetings and delegating tasks.

• Author, review and approve standard operating procedures and job aids for packaging and labelling activities.

• Participate in and support internal and external audits.

• Recommend process improvements to enhance team efficiency.

• Coordinate and train new employees. 

Your Profile:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with four years of relevant experience, or

• High School Diploma or equivalent with six years of relevant experience in Pharmaceutical Operations, preferably in a clinical supply-related area.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• At least two years of experience in management or leadership positions required.

• Minimum of six years of relevant experience in supply chain or operations preferred.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across functional boundaries in multicultural environments to align stakeholders and drive tech transfer strategies and solutions.

• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.

• Strong understanding of clinical supplies and supply chain processes with relevant regulatory and GMP requirements.

• Ability to establish clear goals, delegate effectively and hold self and others accountable.

• Ability to succeed in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

• Well-developed team facilitation and leadership skills, with the ability to build inclusive team environments.

• Proven project and team management skills.

• Prior experience with SAP is beneficial.

Required Skills:

Clinical Supply Chain Management, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Customer Satisfaction, Driving Continuous Improvement, GMP Compliance, Inventory Control Management, Logistics Management, Master Batch Records, Operational Performance Management (PM), Organizational Optimzation, Pharmaceutical Packaging, Process Improvements, Production Planning, Professional Integrity, Project Leadership, Quality Oversight, Quality Standards, Recordkeeping, Results-Oriented, SAP Consulting, SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), SAP Support, Stakeholder Collaboration, Supply Chain Metrics {+ 2 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

No

Job Posting End Date:

06/13/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.