Director, Small Molecule – Technical Product Leader

MSD

Technical product leader guiding Merck’s small-molecule drug candidates from late-stage development through launch and supply. Leading cross-functional CMC commercialization, risk management, and lifecycle strategy.

Posted 8/25/2026full-timeWest Point • New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $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 CMC functions, including Drug Substance, Drug Product, and Regulatory processes, while leading cross-functional teams to drive product commercialization and lifecycle strategies. Proven ability to manage risks, influence stakeholders, and ensure compliance with GMP standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cross-Functional LeadershipRegulatory CMCGMP ComplianceDrug Product ManufacturingStrategic Thinking

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Drug SubstanceDrug ProductAnalyticalDevicePackagingQualitySupply ChainManufacturing Scale-UpProcess ImprovementsProduct Management Leadership

Soft Skills

Decision MakingRisk ManagementStakeholder EngagementInfluencingDriving Outcomes

Industry Keywords

CMCCommercialization StrategyValue Chain ManagementTech TransferClinical ConnectivitySmall Molecules

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Development Commercialization Team (DCT) at Line of Sight to Commercial Product Definition
Guide drug product candidates from late-stage development to launch and transition to supply
Support the Value Chain Management Team (VCMT) in realization of product lifecycle strategy
Deliver an integrated, stage-appropriate development and commercialization strategy to achieve the target commercial product
Lead the cross-functional DCT, assess team deliverables, foster collaboration, and mitigate risks
Oversee on-time execution of DCT deliverables, including processes and analytics, control strategy, tech transfer packages, filing and approval, and commercial supply chain
Represent CMC across governance bodies, stakeholders, and teams to drive decisions and outcomes
Influence and challenge xDT strategy to ensure a robust CMC strategy
Balance speed, cost, and robustness to achieve the target commercial product
Oversee VCMT deliverables, including new nodes and filings
Create and lead high-performing teams and develop team members

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering related discipline with 10 or more years of experience, or an Advanced degree with 7 or more years of experience
Technical depth and breadth in at least one CMC function
Expertise across Drug Substance, Drug Product, Analytical, Device, Packaging, Regulatory, Quality, and Supply Chain
Understanding of connectivity between clinical, CMC, and HH
Cross-functional leadership
Decision making and risk management
Drug product manufacturing
External manufacturing
GMP compliance
Manufacturing scale-up
Process improvements
Product management leadership
Regulatory CMC
Small molecules
Stakeholder engagement
Strategic thinking
Supply chain
Ability to lead complex discussions, influence stakeholders, and drive outcomes
No visa sponsorship available
10% travel required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus
Long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, and vision healthcare
Other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate days
Sick days
Hybrid work arrangement