Job Description

We are searching for an Executive Director, Small Molecule New Product Commercialization and Strategic Projects Lead to be based at our manufacturing site in Boxmeer, NL.

Position Summary

The Executive Director, SM NPC and Strategic Projects Lead, is responsible for the end-to-end leadership, execution, and delivery of the Small Molecule New Product Commercialization (NPC) portfolio, alongside key strategic projects. The role ensures successful, timely, and compliant commercialization of new products into the manufacturing network while driving execution of business-critical strategic initiatives. This role is a critical role with key responsibilities for delivering File on Time and Launch on Time for the Animal Health pipeline portfolio.

This position leads a senior organization of Directors and Associate Directors and provides strategic direction, cross-functional leadership, and operational oversight across commercialization programs and strategic projects critical to the Animal Health business.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Leadership – NPC

• Lead end-to-end delivery of NPC programs across the Small Molecule portfolio.
• Ensure alignment to quality, cost, timeline, and supply readiness objectives.
• Drive execution of commercialization activities including scale-up, validation, and launch readiness.
   

Strategic Projects Leadership

• Lead and oversee execution of high-priority strategic projects (e.g., CAPEX, network strategy, and transformation initiatives).
• Ensure alignment of strategic projects with overall business and portfolio priorities.
• Drive cross-functional delivery of complex, multi-year initiatives.
   

Organizational Leadership

• Lead a team of Directors (P5/M3), Associate Directors (P4), and their teams.
• Build and sustain a high-performing leadership team with strong delivery capability.
• Drive talent development, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness.
   

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the S&T leadership interface across S&T, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, Regulatory, and Sales & Marketing (global and local).
• Ensure effective integration of development, manufacturing, and commercialization activities.
• Manage complex stakeholder environments across global functions.
   

Strategy & Governance

• Define strategic direction for NPC and strategic project activities aligned with portfolio and business priorities.
• Lead governance, prioritization, and resource allocation decisions.
• Ensure effective decision-making frameworks across programs and initiatives.
   

Commercialization & Technical Delivery

• Oversee technology transfer, process validation, and readiness for commercial supply of new products with robust fit for purpose processes.
• Identify and mitigate risks impacting program delivery and product supply.
• Ensure robust and scalable manufacturing implementation.
• Partner with R&D, receiving site(s), Regulatory and Markets to achieve PPQ RFT.
   

Business Impact

• Deliver critical business outcomes, including successful product launches, strategic project execution, and supply continuity.
• Maintain capability to support pipeline growth and increasing organizational complexity.
   

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, technical operations, or product commercialization
• Proven leadership experience managing senior leaders and complex organizations
• Strong experience in:
  • New Product Introduction (NPI) / commercialization
  • Strategic project/program management
  • Manufacturing technologies (e.g., sterile, solid dose)
  • Regulatory and quality frameworks

Required Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Leadership and talent development
• Stakeholder management and influence
• Execution excellence and accountability
• Risk management and decision-making
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and complexity

Additional Notes

• Role is critical to enabling end-to-end commercialization capability and delivery of strategic initiatives supporting business growth
• Serves as a key leadership pipeline position with potential progression to broader PTS leadership roles

Required Skills:

Change Agility, Change Agility, Commercialization, Consulting, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Data-Driven Decision Making, Decision Making, Equipment Set Up, Fabrication Processes, Leadership, Lean Management, Manufacturing Quality Control, New Product Introduction (NPI), Organizational Effectiveness, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Technologies, Process Validation, Production Scheduling, Project Prioritization, Raw Material Specifications, Resource Allocation, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Initiative, Strategic Planning {+ 2 more}

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

06/9/2026

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