Project Scheduler/Steerer (CDM 18 months) - All Genders

Merck (Schweiz) AG seeks a Project Scheduler/Steerer for a 18-month contract in Aubonne, CH. The role manages integrated scheduling and progress for a strategic pharmaceutical investment project across buildings, biotech, and IT streams.

The company is looking for a professional to oversee detailed project scheduling and drive progress for a strategic investment project within the pharmaceutical sector. This position covers scheduling across three primary streams: buildings and infrastructure, biotech processes, and IT automation. The role directly influences project timelines, budget management, and resource distribution.

Responsibilities

• Create and upkeep a logic-linked Level 4+ schedule that aligns with the Level 3 schedule from the Basic Design phase, while pinpointing critical paths.
• Refine schedules affecting manufacturing activities and handle interdependencies among Work Packages to avoid operational bottlenecks.
• Keep the schedule current with scope adjustments, delays, and priority shifts to maintain real-time accuracy.
• Align scheduling with resource limits, financial constraints, and broader project goals.
• Coordinate and chair meetings, draft agendas, record decisions, monitor actions and deadlines, and serve as a communication bridge between teams.
• Manage the Change Order Process by establishing workflows for scope changes, evaluating impacts on timelines and budgets, and integrating approved modifications.
• Maintain the risk register, apply mitigation strategies, and escalate significant risks when necessary.
• Monitor progress across schedules, resources, and milestones, then generate monthly performance reports with KPIs to support Steering Committee updates.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, life sciences, or a related technical/scientific discipline.
• Possess 5–10 years of experience in project scheduling, coordination, or project management, ideally within large-scale industrial or pharmaceutical environments.
• Demonstrate a proven track record in managing complex schedules and coordinating large, multidisciplinary projects.
• Be proficient in MS Project and understand technical disciplines, their workflows, and constraints.
• Show strong capabilities in interpreting data to produce actionable insights.
• Have experience working with multiple work packages and cross-functional teams, along with knowledge of project management best practices.
• Be bilingual in English and French.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in steering large, strategic investment projects is considered an advantage.

What the company offers

• The company provides excellent opportunities for personal development and global career advancement.
• A diverse, inclusive, and flexible working environment is fostered.
• There is a commitment to creating access and opportunities for everyone to develop and grow at their own pace.
• A culture of inclusion and belonging is promoted across the organization.

About the company

Merck (Schweiz) AG operates globally, with teams spanning six continents working together with passion and curiosity to improve lives through solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. The company is united by a purpose to help create, improve, and prolong lives, particularly in Healthcare. They celebrate diversity in all its dimensions, believing it drives excellence and innovation, which strengthens their leadership in science and technology.

• Colleagues worldwide enjoy innovating with science and technology to enrich lives through solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics.
• The company is united by the purpose 'United As One for Patients' to help create, improve, and prolong lives.
• Teams collaborate across six continents with passion and relentless curiosity to support patients at every life stage.
• Diversity in all its dimensions is celebrated as a driver of excellence and innovation, enhancing leadership in science and technology.