Associate Director - Clinical Supply Project Manager, Protocol

Job Description

The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization is accountable for managing the 'end-to-end' integrated clinical supply chain across the full Company portfolio of clinical trials.  GCS is accountable for the planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to clinical sites globally. The GCS Planning (Planning) organization is the key interface between clinical development teams and the operational/executional arms within the business. 

Working independently, the Protocol Clinical Supplies Project Manager (Protocol CSPM) designs strategic and operational plans for all activities associated with clinical supplies for their assigned studies, which could vary in complexity. This individual serves as the primary GCS point of contact to stakeholders both internal and external to GCS and serves as the GCS spokesperson at clinical development related meetings (i.e., Clinical Trial Teams) and product development related meetings. The incumbent must have demonstrated understanding of E2E product development process & connectivity between functions supporting pipeline (i.e. clinical development, CMC, supply chain, & human health), and balancing needs of patients & ensuring stable supply of product. ​

Primary activities include, but are not limited to:

• Participates as a key stakeholder on the Clinical Trial Teams (CTT) and collaborates closely with other functional area representatives to negotiate timelines and strategy for clinical supplies.

• Interacts with key partner organizations such as clinical development, regulatory, quality and other supply chain areas to address clinical supply and/or change management related topics.

• Responsible and accountable for establishing the timelines for clinical supply needs per study and providing the signal for sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution for company development products and non-company marketed products.

• Analyzes and anticipates project risks as they relate to clinical supply chain deliverables and prepares, analyses, and/or develops mitigation strategies for review with clinical partners and senior leaders.

• Support the collection of clinical supply chain metrics and/or participate in critical non-pipeline activities.

• Participates in cross-functional initiatives/projects as either the project lead or stakeholder participant.

• Responsible and accountable for utilizing key tools/systems such as IRT & Microsoft PowerApps, SWMS, Veeva, MEDS, MyLearning, and other Microsoft Applications in the management of clinical supplies for assigned studies.

• Works directly in the SAP system to establish a consolidated, visible forecast for all study product needs (Bulk Drug Product and Clinical Finished Goods).

• Responsible for authoring clinical supply documentation in support of labeling and packaging activities as well as supply chain documentation to support critical CMC activities.

• Responsible for authoring the Clinical Supplies section of the study protocol as well as preparation and presentation of the clinical supplies information at Investigator Meetings for assigned protocols.

• Support the collection of clinical supply chain metrics and/or participate in critical non-pipeline activities.

• Participate in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System development and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for assigned studies.

• Participates in initiation and timely processing of change controls through collaboration with GCS Planning and other cross functional stakeholders and in accordance with established GCS planning SOPs/BPs and QMS Topic 3.4 Change Control Procedures and Work Instructions.

• Participates in authoring and timely processing of deviation records as well as supports deviation investigations as required.

• Participates in critical non-pipeline and compliance activities in support of GCS Planning (e.g., process improvement initiatives, subject matter expert roles, SOP/BP development/maintenance, cross functional projects, etc.)

• Participates in supporting regulatory agency inspections for assigned trials as required.

·         Demonstrates high capability to solve unstructured problems, make informed risk decisions considering both technical & business risks, & influence portfolio decisions with facts and data​

• Demonstrates ability to balance strategy with ability for tactical execution and has strong ownership & accountability of assigned work​

·        Focus on Customers & Patients.

·        Make rapid, disciplined decisions.

• Demonstrates Ethics & Integrity.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, business, or related discipline required, MS/MBA preferred.

• At least 8 years of experience in project management.

• At least 5 years of experience in planning, scheduling, coordination and processing of supply chain activities, or the equivalent.

• Fluent in English and Chinese

• Knowledge of both early phase and late phase clinical trials as well as associated supply chain

• Excellent Communication & Interpersonal Skills:  ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at various levels, including cross-functional teams, senior management, external vendors and collaborators, and clinical sites. Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills to ensure alignment and collaboration in the supply planning process.​

• Project Management Skills: strong knowledge of the principles of project management and clinical customer relationship management.

• Technical Proficiency: familiarity with supply chain systems and software (e.g. SAP or Oracle) and demand planning principles as well as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

• Strong Analytical & Problem Solving Skills: ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize supply chain processes.

• Flexibility & Adaptability: Demonstrates ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the capability to adapt quickly to changing business needs and priorities.​

• Detail Oriented & Organized:  strong attention to detail in managing complex supply chain activities;  ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.​

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive approach to identify process inefficiencies, develop solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the clinical supply planning function.

·        Proven record in project / portfolio management.

·        Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience and Skills:  

·        Proficiency in using supply chain management systems and software, including experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP), demand planning tools, and inventory management systems.

• Familiarity with data analytics/visualization software.

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements, quality procedures, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) execution.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

Clinical Research, Clinical Supplies Management, Cross-Functional Leadership, Data Analysis, Demand Forecasting, Deviation Investigations, User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Preferred Skills:

Change Management, People Leadership, Program Leadership

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

no

Job Posting End Date:

12/31/2026

*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.