Program Manager

Job Description

We are committed to driving enterprise transformation and delivering business value through innovative solutions and operational excellence. As our organization continues to evolve, we are seeking an experienced Program Management Associate Director, to lead complex, cross-functional programs that support strategic priorities across Global Business Services. This role requires a strong leader who can align stakeholders, govern large-scale initiatives, manage internal portfolios of work, and ensure delivery of measurable business outcomes. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted partner to senior leaders while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Objectives of this Role

• Lead and oversee strategic programs and workstreams that support organizational priorities and transformation objectives.
• Provide end-to-end ownership of program delivery, including governance, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and value realization.
• Establish and maintain effective governance frameworks to support decision-making across senior stakeholder groups.
• Drive alignment between program objectives, business priorities, resource plans, and organizational goals.
• Influence and partner with cross-functional leaders to remove barriers, manage dependencies, and accelerate delivery.
• Contribute to the continuous development of project and program management capabilities across the organization.

Scope of Work Includes, but Is Not Limited To

• Act as the primary program lead for complex, global initiatives involving multiple functions, regions, and stakeholder groups.
• Develop and execute program strategies, roadmaps, and delivery plans aligned with business objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to project managers, workstream leads, and supporting teams.
• Establish and facilitate governance forums, including Steering Committees, Executive Reviews, and Operational Working Sessions.
• Drive proactive risk, issue, dependency, and change management across programs and portfolios.
• Monitor program health, business outcomes, key milestones, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Deliver executive-level communications, reporting, and presentations to senior leadership.
• Ensure effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement throughout the program lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, operational efficiency, and adoption of best practices in program management.
• Support strategic planning, prioritization, and portfolio management activities within GBS.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of project and program management experience, including leadership of large-scale, cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex portfolios and strategic transformation programs.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, drive decision-making, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced knowledge of project and program management methodologies, governance models, and delivery frameworks.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Experience with portfolio management and project delivery tools such as Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms.
• Financial acumen, including budget management and business case development.
• Experience within Global Business Services, Shared Services, Business Transformation, or related functions preferred.

Key Leadership Expectations

• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into executable plans.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels.
• Ability to coach and mentor project managers and emerging leaders.
• Results-oriented leadership focused on delivering measurable business value and sustainable outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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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.

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