Director, Pharmaceutical Commercialization Technology
MSD
Summary
The Pharmaceutical Commercialization Technology (PCT) organization, within the Manufacturing Division, develops robust processes and technologies for small-molecule, solid-dosage drugs. From early formulation partnerships through to commercial launch and stable global supply, we bridge the gap between discovery and patients worldwide.
Job description
As the Director of Pharmaceutical Commercialization Technology, you will lead a high-performing department of 10 to 20 engineers and scientists—ranging from entry-level researchers to senior scientific leaders and people managers. In this role, you will shape and execute program strategies for our development pipeline while fostering a culture anchored in Safety First, Quality Always, and Inclusion for All.
Responsibilities
- Drive development of product portfolio including overall plan for control strategy development, experimental designs across scales, execution of experimental plans, and data analysis with the goal of creating robust control strategies that will lead to reliable supply.
- Drive results and executional excellence within the department's portfolio, impacting multiple layers of the organization and other lines within PCT.
- Drive operational excellence by clarifying and translating priorities into actionable steps and holding teams accountable to deliver against priorities.
- Recognize gaps in systems and drive improvement in process and department function, sponsoring and driving a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
- Develop critical partner relationships and create sponsorship frameworks with peers to ensure the success of highly cross-functional teams.
- Actively sponsor the creation of high-performing teams with peers and ensure necessary technical reviews are occurring proactively with the right cross-section of peer partner groups.
- Utilize a sophisticated employee development toolkit across many levels within the organization, including people managers, senior scientific staff, and new hires.
- Help teams drive programmatic strategy including regulatory, siting, and tech transfer, and assist in creating financial forecasts.
- Lead change throughout the organization with a well-developed change leadership toolkit.
- Oversee the department's core functions including PCT Source (clinical supply stewardship), the APEX supply-support facility, safety teams, digital strategy, compliance, modeling, risk assessment platforms, diversity and inclusion, due diligence, and capital projects.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related scientific field with a minimum of twelve (12) years of required experience; OR Master of Science (M.S.) with a minimum of ten (10) years; OR Ph.D. degree with a minimum of eight (8) years.
- Possesses deep technical and subject matter expertise with the function.
- Knowledge of oral drug product formulation and process development, proven track record in small molecule commercial process development, scale-up, and technology transfer to supply.
- Applies a deep understanding of new product development and commercialization.
- Experienced in the end-to-end development of drug products from commercialization through to supply.
- Experience with authoring regulatory submissions and responding to regulatory questions.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Effective delegation skills and demonstrated ability to drive improvement priorities in addition to driving the portfolio.
- Demonstrated ability in leading and sponsoring cross-functional teams.
- Strength in delivering results on firm deadlines.
- Experience with leading organizational change.
Preferred
- Experience in supporting supply investigations.
- Proficient in situational effectiveness and can structure communications to technical teams and executive level.
Location: Rahway, NJ preferred. Candidate will have reports based in Rahway and West Point, PA, so travel to West Point will be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related scientific field with a minimum of twelve (12) years of required experience; OR Master of Science (M.S.) with a minimum of ten (10) years; OR Ph.D. degree with a minimum of eight (8) years
- Deep technical and subject matter expertise with the function
- Knowledge of oral drug product formulation and process development
- Proven track record in small molecule commercial process development, scale-up, and technology transfer to supply
- Deep understanding of new product development and commercialization
- Experienced in end-to-end development of drug products from commercialization through to supply
- Experience with authoring regulatory submissions and responding to regulatory questions
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills
- Effective delegation skills and demonstrated ability to drive improvement priorities
- Demonstrated ability in leading and sponsoring cross-functional teams
- Strength in delivering results on firm deadlines
- Experience with leading organizational change
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Process Characterization
- Writing Technical Documents
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Retirement Benefits
- 401(k)
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Compassionate & Sick Days
- Annual Bonus
- Long-Term Incentive
Company overview
MSD, known as Merck Sharp & Dohme outside the United States and Canada, is a global research-intensive biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891, the company has established itself as one of the world's leading pharmaceutical corporations with a rich history spanning over 130 years. MSD operates as the international division of Merck & Co., Inc., focusing on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. The company's extensive portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments in oncology, infectious diseases, cardiology, diabetes, and vaccines, with notable products such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for cancer immunotherapy, Gardasil for HPV prevention, and Januvia for diabetes management. MSD maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing significantly in scientific innovation to address unmet medical needs worldwide. With approximately 75,000 employees globally, the company operates through four main segments: pharmaceuticals, animal health, healthcare services, and strategic alliances. MSD's mission centers on using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world, guided by the principle that medicine is for people, not profits.