Director, Operational Technology Security Strategy & Execution

Job Description

In a world where industrial cyber-attacks are a top global risk, we are seeking a visionary leader to stand at the forefront of our defense. If you are ready to protect the very core of our innovation and manufacturing power, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on a global scale.

Purpose of the Position

With the growing threat of cyber-attacks on industrial infrastructure, strong leadership in Operational Technology security is more critical than ever. As our Director, you will provide this essential leadership, coordinating across our global enterprise to develop robust security solutions. This role is a unique blend of strategic alignment, execution oversight, and governance facilitation, designed to drive tangible improvements in our security posture and ensure our manufacturing, research, and animal health operations remain safe, secure, and resilient.

Welcome to Our Team

You will join a dedicated team at the forefront of our company's security strategy. We are a dynamic group focused on protecting the foundational technologies that support our global mission. In this highly visible role, you will interact regularly with senior leaders and experts across our Information Technology, Manufacturing, Research, and Animal Health divisions. Our culture is built on collaboration and trust, empowering you to connect diverse teams and create a unified, holistic security strategy for our operational environments.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead Critical Initiatives: Drive the execution of our top security priorities by coordinating efforts across technical teams and business partners.

• Chair the Operational Technology Security Task Force: Guide this operational group to ensure progress and overcome execution challenges.

• Coordinate the Operational Technology Security Council: Facilitate this senior governance body—comprising Executive Directors and Assistant Vice Presidents from Manufacturing, Research, and Animal Health—to align on strategy and secure top-level support.

• Build a Unified Strategy: Collaborate with senior leaders and experts to create a holistic view of all Operational Technology security efforts, identifying gaps and opportunities.

• Influence and Align: Build consensus and drive decision-making in a complex, matrixed environment, often without direct authority.

• Deliver Clear Outcomes: Translate complex technical goals into actionable plans and report progress to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment.

Your Profile

We are looking for a leader who is clear, structured, and relentlessly focused on delivery. You are a natural collaborator who can navigate complex, political environments with confidence.

Your communication is crisp and concise, and you are known for your ability to challenge stakeholders constructively while maintaining strong relationships.

• Critical Must-Haves: You possess strong, foundational knowledge of Operational Technology and essential experience in Operational Technology security. This expertise is the bedrock of your credibility and success in this role.

• Exceptional Leadership: Your greatest strength is your ability to manage and influence senior stakeholders. You have a proven talent for building consensus and driving alignment at the executive level.

• Strategic Communicator: You are an outstanding communicator and presenter, able to convey complex information with clarity and impact to any audience.

• Proven Track Record: You have a history of leading cross-functional initiatives and delivering results by empowering others. You are known for your diligent follow-through and commitment to achieving outcomes.

• Diverse Backgrounds Welcome: While pharmaceutical experience is a plus, we are very interested in candidates from other complex, regulated sectors such as energy, critical infrastructure, defense, or utilities.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to shape and influence Operational Technology security strategy at an enterprise scale with high visibility to senior leadership.

• A vital role where your work directly protects the environments that support our global manufacturing, research, and innovation.

• A collaborative and supportive culture where leadership, trust, and clear expectations are paramount.

• Flexible work arrangements within our hub locations to support collaboration with key stakeholders.

• A commitment to your professional growth and success in a high-impact position.

Required Skills:

Compliance Frameworks, Cybersecurity, Data Management, Information Technology (IT) Risk Management, IT Risk Assessments, IT Risk Governance, Knowledge of regulations and frameworks, Operational Technology (OT), Stakeholder Management, Strategy Development

Preferred Skills:

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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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

06/11/2026

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