Strategic Research Business Operations, Associate Director (Project Management)

About Us

Founded in 1908, Merz is a successful, family-owned specialty healthcare company with a rich history. As a leading global aesthetics business, our award-winning portfolio of injectables, devices, and skincare products empowers healthcare professionals to enhance confidence through aesthetic medicine. Our purpose is to fuel confidence by helping people look better, feel better, and live better. We believe you do not have to choose between living life and making a living. Live your best life with Merz Aesthetics.

A Brief Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Director, Strategic Research Business Operations to support our Global Medical Affairs Strategic Research function within a dynamic medical aesthetics company. This role is responsible for leading the design, optimization, and execution of key operational processes including global investigator-initiated trial program, supporting study operations, and overseeing contracting activities to ensure seamless execution of the Global Medical Affairs evidence generation initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in medical affairs business operations, clinical research operations, and project management within the biopharmaceutical or CRO industry.

What you will do

• Business & Process Operations:
  • Strategically design, implement, and continuously optimize operational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Global Medical Strategic Research evidence generation initiatives. • Interpret internal and external business challenges to proactively recommend best practices that improve operational processes.
  • Track and report key operational metrics, budgets, and study progress.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and contractual obligations
• Study Operations Support:
  • Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of Global Medical Affairs studies and provide innovative solutions to complex operational challenges of Medical Affairs led studies.
  • Coordinate study-related documentation, including protocols, study agreements, and required submissions.
  • Manage study timelines, ensuring deliverables are met per project milestones.
  • Effectively liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including research vendors, study investigators, and contract research organizations (CROs).
• Contracting & Vendor Management:
  • Oversee contract negotiations and execution with external research partners, consultants, and service providers.
  • Partner with Legal and Procurement teams to ensure contracts align with company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Track and manage study budgets, purchase orders, and vendor payments.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master of Science (M.S. or M.Sc.) or related field
• 5+ years of experience in medical affair or clinical operations, study management, or research support within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry
• Strong understanding of phase 4 studies, post-marketing research, real-world evidence studies, and other medical affairs-led research
• Experience with contract negotiations, vendor management, and financial tracking
• Proficiency in project management tools, budgeting software, and compliance systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and manage multiple priorities effectively                                                                                                             

Technical & Functional Skills:

• Expertise in post-marketing research operations, including real-world evidence (RWE), Phase IV studies, and investigator-initiated trials (IITs)
• Proficiency with Medical Affairs systems such as grant management platforms (e.g., SmartSimple, Veeva), and compliance documentation tools
• Strong project management and operational planning skills, including study budget oversight, milestone tracking, and cross-functional coordination with Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance.
• Ability to generate and manage dashboards and KPIs using tools like Power BI or Tableau for effective monitoring of study performance, portfolio metrics, and business impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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