Job Description
Position Overview - Basic Functions & Responsibility
The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization is within our Research & Development Division and is accountable for managing the 'end-to-end' integrated clinical supply chain across our Research & Development Division portfolio to enable the execution of any clinical trial using our Company's assets. GCS supports more than 300 Phase I-IV clinical trials run in-house, 400+ outsourced or run by partners as well as our Company's ISS clinical trials (300+). GCS is accountable for the planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to clinical sites across more than 60+ countries, all in accordance with US and WW regulations, company policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
The Director, Continuous Improvement, will lead continuous improvement (CI) activities within the organization and functional areas, supporting CI culture. The role will oversee both strategic and tactical improvement initiatives, kaizen workshops, and culture-building activities, and will support the rollout of significant metrics as key performance indicators (KPIs), contributing to the overall governance of performance oversight in GCS. The role will ensure the organization is educated in continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Areas of expertise include problem-solving, project management, tier management, change management, knowledge management, quality-by-design, and appropriate risk management in our processes through coaching and mentoring belt candidates and members across the GCS organization.
Primary Activities
The Director, GCS Continuous Improvement, will be accountable for the identification, prioritization, and execution of continuous improvement activities within GCS and across our partner organizations, including, but not limited to, process improvement, tier management, value stream mapping, change management efforts, problem-solving, and after-action reviews (AARs).
Additionally, the incumbent will engage a client group within GCS and will be responsible for implementing a continuous improvement culture, tools, and education within the organization. The incumbent will collaborate within Operational Excellence, across GCS functional areas, and with outside groups, including Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO), Global Development Quality (GDQ), Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS), Procurement, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Data Management, Translational Medicine, and our Research & Development Division.
Primary Activities Include, But Are Not Limited To
- Actively create a culture in which continuous improvement becomes the organizational norm
- Process design/improvement projects/strategic initiatives across the organization
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve, simplify, standardize, and optimize processes in collaboration with functional areas
- Analytics & metrics – develop and maintain performance-related analytics and metrics (reports, dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs)) under the People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (PSQDC) construct
- Seek ways to innovate and/or further automate the use of data and new digital capabilities
- Identify, train, and coach others in Lean concepts and problem-solving methodology
- Continuously evaluate opportunities to create additional connectivity and share learnings between partner organizations
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. A graduate degree in a scientific discipline is preferred. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt certification (or equivalent experience) is required.
- Extensive experience facilitating kaizen workshops and leading complex projects. Understanding of the clinical supply chain and clinical trials, including GCP and GMP.
Skills Include, But Are Not Limited To
- 5+ years implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, including tools to evaluate and improve business processes, and 5+ years coaching and leading process improvement teams
- A dedication to solving complex and challenging problems with a creative mind and imaginative strategies
- Experience with 8-step problem-solving methodology as a problem solver and coach of others
- Strong Influencing and negotiation skills
- Ability to lead, create future state, and deliver results
- Demonstrated ability to develop strong, trust-based, collaborative relationships to drive change and execute on priorities with a diverse group of stakeholders
- Strategic thinking and independent decision-making abilities
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and tactfully to interact with different global professional levels and external stakeholders
- Proven track record of successful deployment of continuous improvement projects, across different modalities and business units
- Must have a strong understanding of GMP, GCP, and data integrity expectations from regulatory agencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication
#eligibleforERP
#PSCS
Required Skills
5S Methodology, 5S Methodology, Accountability, Change Management, Clinical Trials, Compliance Analytics, Conflict Management, Consultative Approach, Dashboard Reporting, Driving Continuous Improvement, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Lean Six Sigma Management, Microsoft Office, Oral Communications, Outsourcing, Policy Development, Process Improvement Initiatives, Process Improvements, Procurement, Project Management, Quality Control Management, Quality Improvement Programs, Results-Oriented, Six Sigma {+ 3 more}
Preferred Skills
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US And Puerto Rico Residents Only
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Requirements
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
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U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
The salary range for this role is
$173,200.00 - $272,600.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
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:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship
No
Travel Requirements
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements
Not Applicable
Shift
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License
No
Hazardous Material(s)
n/a
Job Posting End Date
04/8/2026
- 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.
Requisition ID:R387493
