Executive Director of Tax Planning

Join us as an Executive Director of Tax Planning to lead our tax strategy for the US and navigate the ever-evolving global tax landscape. This high-profile role is at the forefront of our company's tax planning efforts, responsible for guiding our strategic vision, ensuring compliance with regulatory developments, and positioning the company for sustained growth and success. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with senior executives, shape policy, and influence industry practices—all while collaborating with a talented team to drive impactful, forward-thinking tax solutions.

Why This Role?

• Strategic Influence: Directly shape the company’s US tax strategy, contributing to overall business goals and long-term value creation.
• Industry Leadership: Engage with top industry experts, government officials, and peers, becoming a thought leader in the tax space.
• High-Visibility Impact: This role is instrumental across the organization, influencing decision-making at the executive level.
• Professional Growth: Access opportunities for continuous development and exposure to complex, impactful projects on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Tax Strategy Leadership: Design, evaluate, and oversee the implementation of high-impact tax planning initiatives, positioning the company advantageously in the US and OECD regulatory landscapes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with leaders across finance, treasury, legal, and accounting, as well as external counsel, to guide strategic tax positions and ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Legislative & Policy Oversight: Lead the assessment and modeling of US and international tax legislation impacts, advising executive leadership on necessary adjustments to our strategy.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and nurture relationships with policymakers, industry bodies, and peer companies, advocating for favorable tax policies and engaging proactively in industry dialogues.
• Leadership: Mentor a high-performing team of tax professionals, fostering an environment that emphasizes growth, innovation, and thought leadership within the Tax Planning organization.

Education

Master Degree in Tax required. CPA or JD preferred.

Required Experience And Skills

• Minimum of 15 years in combined public accounting, law firm and corporate tax experience.
• High degree of tax technical knowledge with ability to prioritize and drive multiple projects to completion.
• Proven track record in the tax planning area including M&A, GILTI, Subpart F, foreign tax credits and familiar with financial supply chains and transfer pricing.
• Able to work in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills, problem solving and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to work collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently to achieve results.
• Extensive experience in US tax planning, with demonstrated expertise in technical tax analysis and strategic planning at a high level.
• Proven ability to influence and engage with executive leaders, policymakers, and industry partners.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the capacity to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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.

About

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:

• EEOC Know Your Rights
• EEOC GINA Supplement
• Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

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.”

Salary Information

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:

02/8/2025

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.

Requisition ID: R316405