Executive Director, PDMB Outsourcing

MSD

. Lead the Outsourcing team within the Translational Sciences and Outsourcing organization .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $255,800 - $402,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in bioanalytical development and validation, regulatory compliance, and strategic vendor management, while fostering a high-performance team environment. Proven ability to lead cross-functional collaborations and drive innovation in drug discovery and development processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bioanalytical DevelopmentRegulatory ComplianceStrategic LeadershipTeam ManagementFinancial Acumen

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Assay Method DevelopmentQuality ControlDMPKDrug MetabolismPharmacokineticsAutomation WorkflowsVaccine ResearchCell-Based Neutralization AssaysLigand Binding AssaysPCR/RT-PCR

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsTeamworkCollaborationInnovation

Tools & Technologies

Data IntegrationInteroperable TechnologiesModernized Data Exchange

Industry Keywords

Translational SciencesOutsourcingVendor ManagementGLP TestingClinical Development

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Outsourcing team within the Translational Sciences and Outsourcing organization
Lead approximately 35 scientists and operational professionals, including Senior Directors and PhD/BS/MS-level scientists
Provide people management, scientific oversight, and operational oversight under the Associate Vice President of TSO
Provide strategic scientific and operational leadership for vendor strategy, external capability development, assay/program placement, issue resolution, and budget/forecast guidance
Ensure flexibility and redundancy in the external network to mitigate geopolitical, corporate, and vendor-performance risks
Deliver discovery and development portfolio support across therapeutic areas and modalities, including DMPK, GLP, and clinical Reg BA assays
Collaborate with sourcing functions, functional leaders, and drug development teams to deliver timely data for milestones and regulatory filings
Oversee external research at more than 50 vendors worldwide through the Vendor Performance Process
Maintain relationships with leaders at external partners
Drive innovation and continuous improvement across external capabilities and internal sourcing/data processes
Identify resource needs and contribute to internal resource allocation and business operations, including travel and outsourcing budgets
Develop and execute departmental priorities with TSO and PDMB leadership
Contribute to global scientific and portfolio strategy as a member of the TSO Leadership Team
Develop talent and manage staff performance
Strengthen strategic external partnerships through automation, data integration, AI, interoperable technologies, modernized data exchange, and co-developed capabilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS/PharmD with at least 13 years of experience OR PhD or equivalent degree with at least 10 years of drug discovery or development experience, including assay method development and validation
Broad experience in bioanalytical development/validation and quality control (QC)
Expert knowledge of regulatory agency requirements for regulated clinical and GLP testing environments for small molecules and biologics
Business and financial acumen, including direct experience in forecasting, financial tracking, and strategic vendor management
Demonstrated track record establishing an inclusive, high-performance work environment through talent building, collaboration, results, team management, innovation, and scientific excellence
Excellent technical, oral and written communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
Established leadership in bioanalytical science with external visibility through publications, presentations, regulatory engagement, and/or professional organizations
Experience applying automation workflows in a regulated assay testing environment
Experience with vaccine research and assay development, including cell-based neutralization assays, ligand binding assays, and PCR/RT-PCR
Experience with DMPK workflows for small and large molecules
Required skills: DMPK, Drug Metabolism, External Partners, Financial Acumen, Outsourcing, Pharmacokinetics, Strategic Leadership, Team Management
Ability to work in the United States or Puerto Rico; visa sponsorship is available
25% travel
No valid driving license 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
Visa sponsorship
Domestic/international relocation