Merck · 6 hours ago
Elkton GES Project Delivery Leader, Director
Elkton, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$170K/yr - $267K/yr
10+ years expMerck's Global Engineering Solutions (GES) is looking for a Project Delivery Leader to manage the design, construction, and startup of Drug Substance and Drug Product Facilities. This role involves overseeing a significant capital expansion project at the Elkton, Virginia site, contributing to innovative treatment options in the pharmaceutical sector.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical
Responsibilities
Champion a strong safety culture. Ensure projects meet or exceed company EHS targets
Ensure compliance with company Standards, Procedures, and the company Quality Manual
Broad knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry across multiple project types: drug substance, drug product, labs, large and small molecule, clean utilities, centralized utilities (steam, chilled water, electrical, etc.)
Foster collaboration with Our company's Leadership, Site Stakeholders, Partners, and cross‑functional teams
Apply Lean Project Delivery best practices and continuous improvement, update standard work
Effective communication and people skills to interface effectively with all levels of colleagues in a team environment
Provide leadership: Manage and coach team members; set clear business priorities and behavior expectations
Candidate must live within or relocate to Elkton, VA vicinity
Initial assignment will involve less than 10% travel. Long term must have ability to travel up to 50% of time
Process safety: establish HAZID/HAZOP, and PSSRs to identify hazards early
Construction safety: implement safety plans, toolbox talks, audits, etc. to sustain a 'target zero' culture
Site logistics: develop site logistics plans that prioritize safety and maximize productivity
Establish and manage quality program. Design and construction quality assurance and control
Lead the Capital Governance process to control scope and meet business goals
Run Tier/Safety/Staff meetings; manage stakeholder relations
Define optimal execution strategies considering complexity, geography, risk, and business impact
Own integrated schedules from Business Case through first product manufacture and closeout
Drive resource planning and workload projection
Develop site logistics and permitting strategies to keep schedule on track
Coordinate sourcing and contracting strategies for design, construction, and critical vendors
Maintain a portfolio risk register and mitigation plans
Ensure quality control/assurance programs are in place and effective
Guide teams to simple, robust solutions while integrating compliance, permitting, and logistics risks
Enforce governance rigor to control scope, cost, and schedule changes
Lead funding review processes; approve packages; align stakeholders
Apply Lean Project Delivery and Target Value Delivery principles to align scope, cost, and value to business outcomes
Coach teams in lean construction behaviors
Support early FEL definition; lead final funding and Stage Gate reviews
Deploy Last Planner System for reliable workface planning
Improve look‑ahead planning with partners
Use dashboards/KPIs for safety, quality, cost, schedule, and productivity progress
Conduct regular earned value, productivity and progress reviews; analyze variances and implement recovery plans
Track commissioning, qualification, and turnover readiness
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering
Minimum of ten (10) years of Project Management experience in pharmaceutical or highly regulated manufacturing environments
Pharmaceutical manufacturing experience (drug substance, drug product, labs, large and small molecule, utilities)
Deep understanding of cGMP and regulatory qualification requirements
Commissioning and qualification experience
Proven project management experience; PMP or equivalent preferred
Portfolio/program management; ability to build and lead diverse, high‑performing technical teams
Proven ability to navigate complex challenges, manage change, and drive project success under tight deadlines
Expertise in Lean Project Delivery (Target Value Delivery, Last Planner, Takt planning)
Familiarity with modular/offsite construction
Proficiency in scheduling, cost control, and project controls
Demonstrated use of BIM
Coaching and mentoring capability
Candidate must live within or relocate to Elkton, VA vicinity
Initial assignment will involve less than 10% travel. Long term must have ability to travel up to 50% of time
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Company
Merck
Merck is a biopharmaceutical company that offers medicines and vaccines for various diseases.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$5.59MKey Investors
Private Capital AdvisorsGavi, the Vaccine Alliance
2018-11-25Post Ipo Equity· $0.59M
2016-01-21Series Unknown· $5M
1980-12-19IPO
Leadership Team
Betty Larson
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Dean Li
Executive Vice President and President, Merck Research Laboratories
Recent News
2026-01-24
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