Associate Director Standards & Execution
Merck
September 01, 2026
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Operations
Responsibilities:
- Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives supporting GRACS QMS, aligned to program objectives and priorities.
- Partner with project leaders to create/manage project plans, governance, implementation activities, milestones, risks, and deliverables.
- Establish and lead GRACS records management and document retention program (standards, governance, processes, tools, controls).
- Support GRACS Data Security Program (monitoring, reporting, documentation, governance), especially sensitive data transfers.
- Support GRACS Privacy Program: develop/maintain privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and related compliance documentation; coordinate annual privacy assessments and remediation.
- Ensure third-party due diligence processes are completed, documented, monitored, and renewed for global and U.S.-based vendors/service providers.
- Drive continuous improvement through stakeholder engagement, risk identification, and sustainable solutions.
- Provide leadership communications, metrics, and status reporting.
Qualifications:
- 15+ years’ experience in project/system management and/or regulatory experience OR Bachelor’s + 8+ years OR advanced degree + 4+ years.
Required skills/experience:
- Compliance/governance/privacy/data security/records/quality management systems experience.
- Complex project management, facilitation, problem-solving; strong written/verbal communication and senior presentations.
- Translate business requirements into execution plans with measurable outcomes.
- Stakeholder management/influence in matrix organizations; lead by influence.
- Experience in global, highly regulated environments (preferred).
- Process management knowledge (e.g., Green Belt); English communication; strong negotiation; analytical/process workflow analysis.
Preferred:
- Change management experience; Lean Six Sigma/Change Management certification.
- PMI/PMP certification.
Benefits (if applicable): medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application: Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
- Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives supporting GRACS QMS, aligned to program objectives and priorities.
- Partner with project leaders to create/manage project plans, governance, implementation activities, milestones, risks, and deliverables.
- Establish and lead GRACS records management and document retention program (standards, governance, processes, tools, controls).
- Support GRACS Data Security Program (monitoring, reporting, documentation, governance), especially sensitive data transfers.
- Support GRACS Privacy Program: develop/maintain privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and related compliance documentation; coordinate annual privacy assessments and remediation.
- Ensure third-party due diligence processes are completed, documented, monitored, and renewed for global and U.S.-based vendors/service providers.
- Drive continuous improvement through stakeholder engagement, risk identification, and sustainable solutions.
- Provide leadership communications, metrics, and status reporting.
Qualifications:
- 15+ years’ experience in project/system management and/or regulatory experience OR Bachelor’s + 8+ years OR advanced degree + 4+ years.
Required skills/experience:
- Compliance/governance/privacy/data security/records/quality management systems experience.
- Complex project management, facilitation, problem-solving; strong written/verbal communication and senior presentations.
- Translate business requirements into execution plans with measurable outcomes.
- Stakeholder management/influence in matrix organizations; lead by influence.
- Experience in global, highly regulated environments (preferred).
- Process management knowledge (e.g., Green Belt); English communication; strong negotiation; analytical/process workflow analysis.
Preferred:
- Change management experience; Lean Six Sigma/Change Management certification.
- PMI/PMP certification.
Benefits (if applicable): medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application: Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting.