Job Description

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we

The Executive Assistant reports directly to the Site Lead and provides advanced administrative, operational, and organizational support for this role. This position requires independent judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex priorities in a fast‑paced environment. The Senior Administrative Assistant serves as a trusted partner—anticipating needs, improving processes, and ensuring efficient and professional execution of daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

Executive & Department Support

• Manage complex calendars, including cross‑functional coordination, rescheduling, and prioritizing competing meetings.

• Prepare high‑quality presentations, briefs, reports, and communication materials for leadership.

• Coordinate confidential personnel matters, including hiring processes, onboarding, performance documentation, and HR interactions.

• Anticipate needs and proactively identify issues, risks, and opportunities to optimize leader time and information flow.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a primary point of contact for internal and external partners on behalf of leadership.

• Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, announcements, meeting summaries, and executive‑level communications.

• Maintain professionalism and discretion when handling confidential, sensitive, or proprietary information.

Meeting & Event Leadership

• Coordinate large, multi‑stakeholder meetings, off‑sites, town halls, and leadership workshops.

• Prepare agendas, compile briefing packages, capture accurate meeting minutes, and ensure timely follow-up on action items.

• Manage travel logistics, itineraries, and expense reconciliation for senior leadership.

Operational Excellence & Process Support

• Maintain departmental trackers, workflows, dashboards, and reporting tools.

• Support purchasing, vendor relationships, invoice processing, and budget tracking.

• Lead improvements in administrative processes, document organization, and communication systems.

• Coordinate onboarding for new team members, including access, equipment, training materials, and welcome activities.

Project Coordination

• Assist with planning and execution of departmental and cross-functional projects.

• Conduct data gathering, light analysis, and preparation of project updates or status reports.

• Serve as an administrative liaison between leadership and project teams.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Experience: 4–6+ years of administrative experience, with at least 2 years supporting senior leadership or managing complex administrative functions.

• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint). Ability to manage shared drives, Teams channels, and structured digital filing systems.

• Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to manage shifting priorities and tight deadlines High level of confidentiality, discretion, and emotional intelligence Strong relationship-building and customer-service orientation

Preferred Attributes

• Experience supporting directors or multi‑leader teams.

• Comfort operating in dynamic environments such as manufacturing, pharma/biotech, engineering, or corporate operations.

• Demonstrated ability to streamline processes, improve workflows, and introduce organizational efficiency.

• Strong initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

#MSJR

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Required Skills:

Accountability, Accountability, Applied Engineering, Communication, Core Competencies, Data Collection Methods, Data Entry, Document Management, Event Planning, Executive Communications, File Management, Financial Budgeting, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Online Services, Office Applications, Office Equipment, Operational Excellence, Oral Communications, Process Improvements, Project Management, Purchasing Management, Requisition Management, Scheduling, Software Proficiency, Stakeholder Communications {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
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:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

03/9/2026

*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.