Senior Director, Data Integration and Automation - Hybrid

Merck & Co 2 Locations Updated 6 October 2026
PharmaClinical ResearchRegulatory AffairsQuality Assurancegcpclinical data managementemacroraveinform

Job description

Job Description The focus of this role is to enable information management in all its paradigms: Flow of data, data products, governance in our company Information Governance (MIG), provide technical strategy and program management oversight for information needs for DI&A services / micro-services like AI and Automation, Book of business, Business Systems Validation Service, Analytics and Advanced Analytics and remove barriers for frictionless flow of data. Responsibilities The Senior Director, Program Manager shapes multi-year strategy, organization design, and governance models for complex, enterprise-scale programs and portfolios. Acting as an executive sponsor and strategic integrator, this leader aligns investments, roadmaps, and operating models to organizational objectives, ensuring compliant, automation-ready standards, outcome-based KPIs, and measurable quality and value realization. PM Operating Model & Capability Build: Design and lead the team for PM (Program Management) (operating model, role architecture, communication pathways) to deliver at scale. Lead resource strategy with TA (Therapeutic Area)/capacity leaders: capability mix, location strategy, and supplier strategy. Establish the vendor strategy & governance (frameworks, performance dashboards, commercial guardrails, executive business reviews); intervene on systemic issues. Set the learning & development agenda (onboarding, mentoring, upskilling) and champion change management for standards/process/tooling transformations. Strategy, Investment & Performance Management: Work with leadership to set the multi-year strategy and goals; translating GDMS (Global Data Management and Standards and GCTO) objectives into sequenced programs, funding asks, and measurable targets. Define the KPI/KQI (Key Performance Indicator/Key Quality Indicator) strategy and analytics needed for decision-making; publish executive dashboards and drive benefit realization (quality, time, cost). Oversee budget and investment for the PM organization (business cases, prioritization, ROI [Return on Investment] tracking). Champions organizational change; drives adoption of new operating models and digital capabilities across global functions. Governance, Risk & Executive/External Engagement: Own the governance model for assigned remit: define forum purposes, decision rights, and escalation ladders; chair executive reviews. Represent assigned teams / scope in enterprise risk management and compliance reviews; ensure sustainable inspection readiness by design. Proactively anticipate and assess emerging risks, leveraging scenario planning and mitigation strategies to safeguard program and organizational success. Build and sustain senior stakeholder networks across GDMS/ GCTO (Global Clinical Trial Operations) and strategic partners; broker decisions and remove systemic blockers. Build and manage strategic partnerships with external organizations, industry consortia, and regulatory bodies to advance program objectives and enhance organizational reputation. Represent the organization as a thought leader at these industry forums, conferences, and in external publications, shaping best practices and influencing the broader ecosystem. Technical skills: Demonstrated expertise in information management and systems, organization design including role architecture, spans and layers, operating model, and scaling patterns. Track record in defining multi-year strategy and portfolio and in governing investments with measurable ROI (Return on Investment). Proven ownership of standards and process governance models with effective executive reviews and escalation ladders. Resource-strategy leadership with TA and capacity partners including algorithmic approaches with PSRM (Portfolio & Strategic Resource Management) and location, capability, and supplier strategy. Vendor-strategy and governance expertise at enterprise level with performance dashboards, commercial guardrails, and systemic interventions. KPI and KQI strategy design and analytics capability build with enterprise dashboards and benefits cadence. DI&A-specific technical skills: Demonstrated expertise in advanced analytics, predictive modeling, data-driven decision-making to inform strategic program direction and optimize outcomes at scale. Comprehensive knowledge of global regulatory frameworks and compliance, ensuring programs meet international standards and requirements for technology deployment. Non-technical skills: Exceptional communication and collaboration across cross-functional and global teams; tailors messaging up, across, and down; crafts decision-ready narratives and frames options, risks, and recommendations for senior leaders and direct reports. Cross-functional leadership through influence, motivating geographically diverse teams, guiding work across teams/geographies, and fostering an inclusive, high-trust culture. Strong judgment and accountability, operating effectively in ambiguity, managing escalations, and driving consensus on process and technology improvements (including RCA [Root Cause Analysis]/CAPA [Corrective and Preventive Action] where applicable). Inclusive team leadership, fostering psychological safety, enabling knowledge sharing, and supporting the development of communities of practice. Ability to recruit and retain talent and plan resourcing across regions and sourcing models (FTE [Full Time Equivalent]/contingent/on- and off-shore). <span style=

Stand out for this role

NoxPharm tailors your CV to this job description by aligning your experience with the role requirements and terminology. Built for pharma & life sciences.

Tailor my CV now — free to try