Lead Strategy Realization & PMO (m/w/d) Digital, Data & IT

Job Description

As the Associate Director, Strategy Realization & PMO Lead, you will translate the Germany Digital, Data & Analytics (DDA) strategy into a focused portfolio of initiatives that deliver measurable business value. You will lead portfolio governance, strategic planning, executive reporting, and operational effectiveness across the DDA organization. As a member of the Germany DDA Leadership Team, you will help ensure that priorities, resources, and delivery activities remain aligned to business objectives and outcomes.

Your Main Responsibilities

• Lead strategy realization and portfolio governance across the Germany DDA organization.

• Translate strategic priorities into actionable roadmaps, performance measures, and execution plans.

• Drive portfolio planning, prioritization, resource allocation, and decision-making processes.

• Establish and continuously improve governance forums, operating rhythms, and reporting standards.

• Develop executive-ready communications, business reviews, and leadership presentations.

• Track portfolio performance, value realization, risks, and dependencies through meaningful KPIs and reporting.

• Partner with business, IT, Medical, Finance, HR, and enterprise stakeholders to ensure alignment and delivery success.

• Lead and develop a small PMO team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Support leadership decision-making through data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.

• Ensure portfolio delivery complies with applicable quality, compliance, privacy, and governance requirements.

What You Will Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Strategy, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Life Sciences, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Significant experience in strategy execution, portfolio management, PMO leadership, business operations, transformation, or digital initiatives.

• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and development of team members.

• Experience working across complex matrix organizations and influencing senior stakeholders.

• Proven experience establishing governance frameworks, portfolio management processes, and executive reporting mechanisms.

• Strong analytical, communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience developing KPIs, performance reporting, and value realization approaches.

• Fluent English language skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, Master's degree, or equivalent).

• Experience within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotechnology, or other regulated industries.

• Certification in project, program, portfolio, or change management.

• Experience supporting digital transformation, data, analytics, or technology-driven initiatives.

• German language skills.

People with severe disabilities and their equivalents will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Budget Development, Clinical Trial Management, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Feasibility Studies, Innovative Solutions, Knowledge Management, Project Management Tools, Project Planning, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Schedule Management, Strategic Planning

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/17/2026

*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.