Executive Director, China Investigations

Job Description

Location: Shanghai, China
Organization: Office of General Counsel (OGC)

Position Overview
The role will report directly to the Head of Global Investigations within our Office of General Counsel (OGC). This role serves as a confidential and impartial resource to lead internal Code of Conduct investigations, including high-risk matters in China. The position requires exceptional judgment, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to manage complex investigations across multiple functions. Because the role will report to management in the U.S., the candidate should expect evening calls with the U.S. at least once per week. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee internal investigations related to the Code of Conduct, including high-risk cases in China.
• Provide impartial, confidential, and objective analysis throughout the investigation process.
• Communicate confidently and persuasively with senior leaders in English and Mandarin on business and legal topics.
• Deliver legal advice and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage a team of three Associate Directors, providing guidance and oversight on investigations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Legal & Compliance, Global Security, HR, and Finance.
• Apply strong project management skills to plan and execute complex investigations.
• Analyze data, draw reasonable conclusions, and prepare clear, well-written reports.

Qualifications

Education Requirement:

• License to practice law (active in good standing) in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Advanced degree in the field of law (e.g., J.D., LLM., Doctorate Degree)

Required Experience and Skills:

• 10 years of legal experience specializing in internal investigations, encompassing preparing, planning for/and conducting witness interviews, meticulous document review, comprehensive report drafting, and demonstrating excellent judgment throughout the investigative process.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Mandarin, both verbally and in writing, with legal colleagues, business leaders, and staff, ensuring clear and effective dissemination of investigative findings.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, networking, and influencing abilities to effectively navigate the complexities of internal investigations.
• Demonstrates leadership skills and maintains a positive attitude.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Substantive skills in Anti-Corruption (i.e., Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other Anti-Corruption statutes) or similar laws
• Experience interacting with executive-level individuals
• Experience managing a team

Required Skills:

Accountability, Cite Checking, Contract Law, Employment Law Training, Internal Investigations, Law Practice, Lawyering, Leadership, Legal Acumen, Legal Research, Negotiation, Professional Integrity, Regulatory Compliance, Tax Law, Witness Interviewing

Preferred Skills:

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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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

01/31/2026

*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.