Job Description

The Strategy Realization Lead & PMO (m/f/d) is responsible for governing, prioritizing, and overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives as well as the program and project portfolio of the Digital, Data & Analytics (DD&A) organization.

In this role, you will significantly influence the strategic direction and execution of the DD&A portfolio, ensuring that digital, data-driven, and transformational initiatives are prioritized according to their impact on business objectives and strategic priorities.

The Strategy Realization Lead & PMO (m/f/d) also leads a team of project management and transformation professionals, fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams and business units, and ensures that the appropriate governance structures, methodologies, and tools are in place to support successful strategy execution and portfolio delivery.

Your Responsibilities

• Define and manage the strategically aligned program, project, and transformation portfolio of the Digital, Data & Analytics organization in close collaboration with the DD&A Leadership Team and key stakeholders

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of PMO, project management, and transformation professionals

• Drive the successful execution of the strategic priorities and transformation agenda of the Digital, Data & Analytics organization

• Serve as the primary interface to Business Units and Corporate Functions regarding their business aspirations and requirements for digital, data-driven, and transformational initiatives

• Lead project and program initiation, prioritization, and setup in collaboration with DD&A teams as well as business and process owners

• Evaluate new initiatives using established prioritization frameworks and continuously optimize planning, governance, alignment, and prioritization processes

• Continuously improve portfolio management, program governance, and project controlling to ensure transparency and effective decision-making

• Define and implement quality, governance, and performance standards for strategic programs and projects

• Manage external vendors and consulting partners to support strategic and process-related improvement initiatives

• Establish the necessary infrastructure and foster a culture of close collaboration to optimize resource allocation and priority setting across the organization

• Review, define, and provide methodologies, frameworks, and tools supporting strategy realization, project planning, project execution, documentation, and post-implementation reviews

• Identify, assess, and manage risks, dependencies, and escalation topics across the strategic portfolio

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Data Science, Engineering, Psychology, or a related field; alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with significant relevant professional experience

• Several years of experience in a comparable leadership role within PMO, portfolio management, strategy execution, transformation management, or program leadership

• Proven people leadership experience, including direct management, coaching, and development of high-performing teams

• Extensive experience in (agile) project, program, and portfolio management within complex, digital, and data-driven multi-stakeholder environments

• Strong understanding of strategy execution, organizational transformation, and change management practices

• Industry knowledge and a deep understanding of relevant business requirements and operating models

• Strong understanding of business performance metrics, reporting, analytics, and value realization frameworks

• Scrum Master certification and experience with project management and collaboration tools such as Jira and Mural

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and analytical skills combined with strong intercultural competence

• Self-starter with a high level of motivation and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment

• Ability to develop strategic ideas, build alignment across stakeholder groups, and drive execution through influence and leadership

• Fluent in German and English, both written and spoken

People with severe disabilities and their equivalents will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Budget Development, Clinical Trial Management, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Feasibility Studies, Innovative Solutions, Knowledge Management, Project Management Tools, Project Planning, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Schedule Management, Strategic Planning

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/17/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.