Director, Head of Launch Project Scheduling

Job description

Job Description The Head of Launch Project Scheduling is responsible for all aspects of launch project scheduling and for leading the Launch Project Management Office within GBO. This is a pivotal leadership role within the GBO Network Launch Readiness organization, overseeing a team of project schedulers and other professionals to ensure launch activities are planned, tracked, and executed with consistency and excellence. You will lead the development and maintenance of globally aligned launch project scheduling and management tools that support day-to-day launch execution, promote clear communication, enable effective visual management, and ensure robust escalation pathways. In addition, you will drive the adoption of improvement concepts from the Launch Excellence organization, translating them into standardized scheduling practices that are consistently applied across GBO. Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following: Lead and strengthen launch project scheduling capability across GBO through robust tools, processes, and team development. Oversee scheduling and monitoring of operational, site-specific execution of internal GBO product launches and technology transfers, in close collaboration with the relevant Launch Readiness Leader. Establish and drive adoption of standard schedule blocks based on best practices developed by Launch Excellence. Develop and maintain a dynamic resource loading plan for each internal GBO launch with the appropriate level of detail, in partnership with the relevant Launch Readiness Leader. Work closely with functional, site, and GBO leadership to align on launch schedules and optimize resource loading locally and globally. Continuously calibrate time and resource assumptions for standard schedule blocks based on actual launch project experience. Create and maintain a process to feed learnings from executed schedules, including bottlenecks and inefficiencies, back into Launch Excellence to support ongoing improvement. Oversee preparation of launch readiness portfolios, operational status updates, and one-pagers for internal and external launches for GBO or MLT governance meetings. Drive the implementation and maintenance of a single GBO-wide software tool for project scheduling, resource loading, and operational status reporting where possible. Build and sustain a high-performing Launch Project Scheduling organization through appropriate staffing, talent development, and retention strategies. Set clear priorities and performance expectations for direct reports; coach, develop, and manage performance effectively. Skills you will need Strong project management expertise Ability to build simple, intuitive, and sustainable business systems and ensure consistent global use Experience in project planning, project management, and project scheduling, ideally within pharmaceutical start-ups or launches Hands-on experience with at least one project scheduling software tool; familiarity with the broader project scheduling tool landscape is highly desirable Knowledge of quality systems related to equipment, materials, and process qualification and validation Strong understanding of forecasting and budgeting processes for CapEx and OpEx Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree required; higher degree preferred Degree ideally in a technical discipline related to pharmaceutical process development or manufacturing Demonstrated leadership experience, including at least 10 years of indirect or direct people management experience We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs. As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. Please don't hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition Advisor assigned to this role should you need any support during our recruitment process. We are committed to flexible working where possible, and this is why our Company has introduced a new hybrid working model for office-based colleagues around the world. Please feel free to speak to us about what flexibility means to you during your application. Required Skills: Adaptability, Adaptability, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceuticals, Budget Development, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Clinical Trial Management, Conflict Resolution, Cross-Functional Leadership, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Forecasting, Internal Customers, Organizational Performance Management, Pharmaceutical Research, Process Monitoring, Project Management, Project Schedule, Project Strategy, Regulatory Compliance, Results-Oriented, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking {+ 1 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: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 08/2/2026*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.