Executive Director, Digital Insights

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Digital is the multiplier that will allow Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) to deliver better experiments faster, efficient filing and launch, more robust supply chains and higher-confidence decisions across the portfolio. The DSCS Digital Technologies organization is tasked with the mission to pioneer and deploy innovative digital technologies that drive the acquisition, automation and utilization of data to enhance insights, efficiency, and quality of DSCS processes and methods. The Executive Director of Digital Insights will lead multidisciplinary digital teams focused on building robust data pipelines, developing advanced data visualizations, and delivering in silico tools and predictive science solutions. The leader will help drive the digital transformation of R&D and manufacturing processes inclusive of drug substance, drug product and analytical efforts and all therapeutic modalities, ensuring seamless integration of data-driven strategies across the DSCS organization to accelerate innovation and operational excellence.

Requirements

B.S. with a minimum of 15 years of experience or Ph.D. in engineering, chemistry, data science or a related discipline with a minimum of 12 years of experience in new product introduction, with experience across pipeline process development, operations, and new technology builds
Recognized expert in the Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) space covering drug substance processes, drug product processes and analytical methods, across both R&D and manufacturing, with a deep understanding of the connections between digital capabilities and CMC
Broad experience identifying, inventing and implementing digital solutions for technical, operational and/or business solutions that rely heavily on maximizing data access and utilization and revolutionize how processes and analytical methods are developed.
Demonstrated ability to set and execute on strategic direction for programs, facilities, and strategic investments, especially those that impact multiple organizations and/or divisions
Demonstrated ability for innovative and complex problem-solving, both technically and strategically, across functions and divisions.
Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, demonstrating creativity and innovation, and influencing without authority.
Strength in delivering solutions and results on firm deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
Demonstrated ability for navigating complex, cross-divisional networks in order to deliver results and drive value for the enterprise.
Accountability
Business Compliance
Business Development
Change Management Strategies
Customer-Focused
Data Engineering
Data Integrity
Data Pipelines
Data Strategies
Data Visualization
Digital Transformation
Financial Research
Formulation Chemistry
Foster Innovation
Innovation
Leadership
Market Analysis
Medical Product Development
Mentoring Staff
People Leadership
Product Development
Regulatory CMC
Resource Management
Results-Oriented

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Translate and execute the vision for digital enablement, data strategy, and in silico capabilities across Development Sciences & Clinical Supply (DSCS) and related functions. Influence enterprise-level digital strategy and ensure alignment with business objectives.
Team Management: Serve as a multi-team leader who leads and mentors teams specializing in data engineering, data science, software development, and predictive analytics. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
Data Pipeline Development: Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of modern, automated, and contextualized data pipelines that enable seamless data flow, integration, and accessibility across scientific and operational domains.
Data Visualization & Analytics: Guide the creation of advanced data visualization platforms and dashboards to support decision-making, enhance data-driven insights, and democratize access to analytics for scientists and business partners.
In Silico Tools & Predictive Science: Champion the development and deployment of in silico modeling, AI/ML-enabled experiment design, and predictive analytics platforms. Ensure these tools are user-friendly, scalable, and impactful for scientific and operational challenges that drive DSCS business outcomes.
Innovation & Digital Transformation: Identify and implement digital opportunities that drive operational efficiencies, reduce reliance on traditional experimentation, and accelerate development timelines. Promote adoption of new technologies and best practices.
Change Management: Partner with operational subject matter experts to develop and implement change management strategies to ensure developed digital solutions realize maximum value in DSCS through broad organizational adoption.
Value Realization: Provide clear elucidation of the business value being realized through DSCS Digital efforts. Drive establishment and measurement of workstream and use case KPIs aligned with program goals. Provide translation and communication of portfolio impacts achieved through digital transformation efforts.
Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with business, IT, and scientific leaders to align digital initiatives with DSCS priorities. Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and advocate for digital transformation.
Governance & Compliance: Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements throughout all digital initiatives.