Job Description
The Executive Director, our Company’s Manufacturing Division Communications, is responsible for leading communications for the company’s worldwide manufacturing organization, which spans a global network of sites for pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics and animal health products.
This dynamic and strategic leader must be a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry’s manufacturing processes and protocols, strong media relations skills and the ability to handle complex and sensitive issues. They must possess extensive experience in crisis communications and issues management, be capable of navigating the complexities of pharmaceutical manufacturing, and safeguard the company’s reputation while ensuring effective internal and external stakeholder engagement.
The Executive Director will report to the Associate Vice President, Human Health Communications and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of messaging across all communications materials and initiatives related to our Company’s Manufacturing Division. They will play a pivotal role in counseling executives, the media relations team, crisis management and stakeholder engagement communications activities in close partnership with teams across the Global Communications function.
This role is based in Rahway, NJ.
Scope of work and core responsibilities:
Serve as a key strategic counselor and communications business partner to global manufacturing sites.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Strategy Office, Office of CEO and transformational initiative leaders, to lead the development of comprehensive communications strategies aligned with the Manufacturing Division’s goals and objectives.
Develop communications strategies across manufacturing sites; navigate complex markets with varied languages, cultures and levels of experience among communicators to drive business objectives across sites.
Development, review and approval of strategic communications materials for the Executive Vice President and President of our Company’s Manufacturing Division.
Confidently interact with and counsel C-suite executives and key internal partners with best in-class communication practices, ensuring messaging is consistent across the organization.
Develop communication strategies that prepare for potential crises, with the ability to navigate and manage a crisis effectively.
Support communication for ongoing network activity within the manufacturing network
Oversee communications related to regulatory approvals and other key milestones.
Support the implementation of change management strategies, as needed.
Organize and manage internal and external events, conferences and other activities to engage stakeholders and promote the Manufacturing Division’s objectives.
Closely partner with the Vice President, Human Health Communications, providing support and counsel for the execution of key communications initiatives.
Strong writing, editing and communications skills across multiple media, including speeches, email, video scripts, editorial and social content.
Ensure that all communications adhere to industry regulations and guidelines, working closely with legal and regulatory teams to manage and communicate compliance issues.
Drive our Company’s industry agenda through participation in industry association communications groups.
Qualifications:
Minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical tech or biotech communications, with a strong background in crisis communications and reputation management.
Strong understanding of pharmaceutical industry regulations and compliance requirements.
Demonstrated deep understanding of the business and the ability to translate business needs into strategic external communications plans that advance company business goals.
Outstanding oral and written communications skills.
Experienced and strong people leader with coaching and mentoring experiences across a diverse and global team.
Hands-on crisis and reputation management experience.
Well organized, highly motivated, results oriented and process driven.
Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
Strategic thinker who can tackle complex issues and develop innovative solutions.
Experience leading and prioritizing in a complex, fast-paced environment.
Travel required: 30%
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.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 diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas 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 Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.
Expected US salary range:
$200,200.00 - $315,100.00
Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.
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:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
01/25/2025
*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.
