Director, Strategy

MSD

Support strategy development by leading assessments and initiatives for the R&D division at a global health care leader. Collaborate with leaders to drive value and implement strategic initiatives.

Posted 8/1/2026full-timeRahway • Massachusetts, New Jersey • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $173,200 - $272,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in R&D, strategy management, and data analysis to drive impactful decision-making and resource allocation in biopharmaceuticals. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders in a matrixed organization.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In A Relevant Scientific DisciplineStrategy Management Consulting ExperienceBiopharmaceutical ExperienceStrong Analytical SkillsLeadership Qualities

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

R&D ExperienceData AnalysisInnovation FocusProblem SolvingInsight GenerationResource AllocationCommercializationRegulatory KnowledgeDigital/AI/Tech FocusTeam Management

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsEmpathyGrowth MindsetCuriosityTeam-Oriented

Industry Keywords

BiopharmaceuticalsCross-Functional TeamsMatrixed OrganizationCultural EngagementExternal Partnerships

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner with ESO colleagues and our Company's Research & Development division leaders to identify high-value strategic imperatives
Lead the framing, assessment, and recommendation of key initiatives, in collaboration with executive leaders across the company
Develop fact-bases using internal and external datasets to support leadership decision-making
Interrogate a deep and broad R&D portfolio to aid in resource allocation, prioritization and maximization of patient impact
Bring to bear experience in R&D (discovery, translational sciences, development, regulatory), commercialization, data/digital, and other areas to identify capability gaps and ways to evolve
Solicit external, outside-in perspectives by sourcing information and interacting with external partners (e.g., consultants, analysts, venture capital, other innovation-focused industries, etc.)
Contribute new ideas and priorities, leveraging experience from other areas and/or companies
Lead internal and external teams to drive ideas from conception to implementation
Partner with cross-functional teams to support implementation and deliver on key objectives
Drive cultural engagement with and inclusive teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or MD from a top ranked program
4+ years of strategy management consulting experience from a top-tier firm (e.g., BCG, McKinsey, LEK)
Minimum of 7+ years of biopharmaceutical experience across roles, with deep experience in R&D, including strong innovation and/or data/digital/AI/tech focus
Experience managing teams as well as external vendors
Advanced degree with demonstrated capability across roles and functions
Problem solving and insight generation – ability to frame and conceptualize complex, ambiguous questions and drive towards clear, substantiated answers relevant to the questions at hand
Strong analytical skills with ability to efficiently source and interrogate different types of data to deliver relevant, high-quality insights
Strong communicator with excellent verbal and written skills; ability to communicate effectively with senior management and across all levels of the business
Demonstrated leadership qualities with the ability to empathize, listen, and enable colleagues to thrive
Ability to influence decision-making in a matrixed organization and lead without direct authority
Strong business acumen, with ability to build consensus
Ability to prioritize time and problem solve to focus on most impactful activities / initiatives
High EQ. Growth mindset. Curious. Motivated. Team-oriented. Organized. Coachable.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
retirement benefits, including 401(k)
paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days