Job Description
We aim to create workplace experiences that enable our people to be inspired to invent. Inside our organization, we provide workplace solutions that enable our people to do their very best work in safety. Outside our organization we ensure we protect the people around us, communities and the environment.
Position Summary
The Associate Director, Emergency Management, is responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the Security Command Center, Emergency Response Operations, and the General Emergency Management System (GEMS) Plan for the Elkton, VA facility. This role ensures the site’s readiness to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies while maintaining compliance with all applicable security, fire and life safety, and emergency preparedness regulations and standards.
The position works closely with Plant Protection cross-functional teams to effectively and safely operate and maintain the Local Security Command Center and its systems to support all entities at the Elkton site. The Associate Director will work closely with global security partners, oversee emergency response and security personnel, manage key external partnerships, and drive continuous improvement in emergency management programs.
The position will be a primary stakeholder for the Global Security Group: responsible for escalating designated Global Security Group matters; coordinating investigative and security efforts; and a stakeholder with the GSG Physical Security Center of Excellence and the company's physical security standard.
Core Responsibilities
Planning and Preparedness
Develop, implement, and maintain site emergency management programs, including Emergency Operations Plans, Continuity of Operations/Business Continuity Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans, and the General Emergency Management System (GEMS).
Conduct and oversee risk assessments to identify natural, technological, and man‑made hazards; develop strategies to reduce vulnerability and enhance site and community resilience.
Maintain ongoing familiarity with existing regulations and proactively monitor proposed and new regulations, communicating impacts to management and operating personnel.
Ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant regulations, permits, and internal standards; develop procedures and processes to support robust and sustainable programs.
Act as the site’s General Emergency Management System (GEMS) Coordinator.
Response Coordination
Provide direction and leadership for Security, Emergency Response, and Rescue operations.
Serve as the primary liaison with local, state, and federal agencies, including municipal and county emergency management, law enforcement, and fire departments.
Collaborate with Global Security and external partners to facilitate fire, security, and emergency response needs.
Ensure that the Emergency Response Team (ERT) is adequately staffed, trained, and equipped.
Training, Exercises, and Readiness
Organize, conduct, and evaluate training programs, drills, tabletop exercises, and full‑scale exercises for site personnel.
Conduct training for the site Incident Management Team and ensure competency in incident command, communication, and decision‑making.
Manage and maintain the site emergency notification system and ensure effective communication protocols during emergencies.
Communication and Reporting
Establish and maintain effective emergency communication systems and processes to provide situational awareness during incidents and potential events.
Prepare and deliver reports, briefings, and documentation on potential and actual emergency scenarios, program performance, and key risk indicators.
Participate in relevant local and state committees, working groups, and industry forums.
Conduct incident investigations; complete required reports, permit applications, and maintain accurate records and documentation.
Maintain and utilize escalation chains of command for emergency incidents and Global Security Group escalated matters.
Leadership, Administration, and Compliance
Oversee the site’s Fire Chief, Security Team, Access Control Team, Compliance and Emergency Response Technicians, and other emergency management staff and contractors, including those under Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
Act as the Liaison and designated security Incident Management Team Command Coordinator.
Manage and oversee all aspects of Local Security Command Center: personnel, Enterprise systems including Badge Access, Guest Management, Video Surveillance; Traka Key Management, Guard Tour Reporting System (GTRS), Security Watch List, Intercom Communication System and the company's Mass Notification System.
Manage a multi‑shift team composed of both company and contract specialists, including setting objectives, performance management, employee development, scheduling, and workforce planning.
Oversee program budgets and financial transactions; support capital planning and prioritize investments in systems, equipment, and technology for emergency response and security.
Ensure Global Engineering Solutions (GES) and Integrated Facility Management (IFM) partners meet contractual obligations, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to Security and Emergency Response.
Develop internal best practices that meet or exceed industry standards; drive continuous improvement initiatives across emergency management, security, and fire/life safety programs.
Education – Minimum Requirement
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Science, Engineering, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, or a closely related field.
Required Experience and Skills
Minimum of 10 years of experience as a public safety officer, including supervisory and crisis management experience.
Demonstrated professional‑level experience in emergency operations, incident management, and/or emergency preparedness programs.
Strong knowledge of security principles and emergency response practices.
Strong computer skills using MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn and operate additional security, emergency notification, and incident management systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively under pressure and at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to think critically and make sound decisions in high‑stress and time‑sensitive situations.
Proven technical problem‑solving abilities related to emergency response, security systems, and/or fire and life safety issues.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective teams and partnerships, with a strong focus on collaboration and customer service.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple, simultaneous assignments in a dynamic environment.
Preferred Experience and Skills
Certifications:
CPR / First Aid / AED
Certified Protection Officer (IFPO), Certified Protection Professional (ASIS), Certified Security Supervisor (IFPO)
National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300, and 700
Work Place Violence/ Active Assailant Response
Experience conducting investigations and interviews.
Experience interacting with local, state, and federal agencies.
Experience managing contracted professionals and vendors.
Program management experience with the ability to translate strategic vision into detailed plans and execution, with significant attention to detail.
Crisis management experience, including incident command or Emergency Operations Center (EOC) leadership.
Required Skills:
Accountability, Asset Protection, Client-Focused, Contingency Planning, Decision Making, Detail-Oriented, Investigation Techniques, Legal Compliance Management, Management Process, Operations Management, Policy Implementation, Project Risk Assessments, Real Estate Management, Security Strategy, Team LeadershipPreferred Skills:
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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:
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.
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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”.
The salary range for this role is
$129,000.00 - $203,100.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
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:
RegularRelocation:
DomesticVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
N/AJob Posting End Date:
04/2/2026*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.