After completing a Bachelor of Economics at Monash University, John attended the London School of Economics on a British Council Scholarship conducting post graduate research. John then returned to Australia and continued his career as an Industrial Officer and Advocate where he had significant involvement in award restructuring.[2]
Merritt was Executive Director of Health and Safety at WorkSafe Victoria from 2001 to 2009.[3] As an Executive Director, John led a major transformation of the organisation. He also took leadership of a statewide change program about occupational health and safety which featured social marketing and award-winning media campaigns.[2]
In April 2014, Merritt was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of VicRoads.
Merritt left VicRoads on 20 December 2017.