Executive Director, Chief of Staff, Global Clinical Trial Operations

MSD

. Partner with the SVP and GCTO Leadership Team to translate enterprise and GCTO priorities into execution plans, measurable outcomes, and disciplined operating rhythms .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $255,800 - $402,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in clinical trial delivery, strategic initiative leadership, and operational excellence, with a strong focus on digital transformation and AI integration. Capable of influencing senior leaders and cross-functional teams while promoting a collaborative and high-performing culture.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical Trial Delivery ExperienceStrategic Initiative LeadershipDigital TransformationAI IntegrationProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Operational ExcellenceTransformation ProgramsPredictive AnalyticsData-Driven ApproachesProcess SimplificationRisk IdentificationGoal TrackingDecision-MakingChange LeadershipOrganizational Effectiveness

Soft Skills

Influencing SkillsCollaboration SkillsJudgmentPrioritization SkillsCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

AIAutomationDigital CapabilitiesGCTO Elevate

Industry Keywords

Regulated EnvironmentMatrixed OrganizationContinuous ImprovementLeadership GovernanceExecutive Communications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner with the SVP and GCTO Leadership Team to translate enterprise and GCTO priorities into execution plans, measurable outcomes, and disciplined operating rhythms
Serve as strategic advisor and thought partner to the SVP
Identify and mobilize initiatives improving trial delivery, quality, speed, simplicity, productivity, cost, and organizational effectiveness
Lead annual priority setting, goal tracking, risk identification, mitigation planning, and senior leadership reporting
Design and facilitate leadership governance, meetings, business reviews, and decision forums
Surface issues, escalate barriers, and drive timely resolution of risks and decisions
Serve as Global Clinical Development Risk Lead on the R&D Risk Governance Committee
Drive modernization through simplification, quality by design, AI, automation, predictive analytics, and digital capabilities
Partner with functions on capability, training, digital upskilling, and knowledge development
Promote continuous improvement, process simplification, responsible AI use, innovation, and knowledge sharing
Integrate GCTO, GCD, R&D, Finance, HR, IT, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, Learning and Development, and other partners
Develop executive communications, presentations, leadership messages, and engagement materials
Lead the GCTO communications and organizational engagement team
Promote a collaborative, inclusive, high-performing culture
Partner with Chiefs of Staff and operational leaders to align ways of working and accelerate enterprise practice adoption

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and > 10 years of relevant clinical trial delivery experience OR Master’s degree and > 8 years of relevant clinical trial delivery experience OR Ph.D. or doctorate and > 6 years of relevant clinical trial delivery experience
Proven ability to influence, integrate, and drive alignment with senior leaders and cross-functional teams in a complex, matrixed, regulated environment
Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives, operational excellence, transformation, productivity, cost, or simplification programs from strategy through execution
Strong digital and AI leadership, including experience applying enterprise-approved AI, automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven approaches to modernize clinical trial delivery and ways of working
Maintains relevant digital curriculum completion or certification expectations, such as GCTO Elevate for internal applicants, with role-appropriate progression over time
Strong judgment, decision-making, and prioritization skills; able to operate autonomously in ambiguous, fast-moving, and sensitive contexts
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities, surface tradeoffs, and drive closure
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to synthesize complex information into clear executive messages, recommendations, and decision materials
Strong change leadership and global collaboration skills; able to influence adoption and drive outcomes across geographies, cultures, and reporting lines
No visa sponsorship
25% travel
US and Puerto Rico residents only

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
Domestic relocation