Job Description

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We're at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. As an Oncology Brand & Customer Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping brand strategy, leading cross-functional alignment, ensuring launch excellence, and delivering innovative customer-centric initiatives that support our mission of advancing prevention and treatment of disease through leading-edge science.

Responsibilities

·       Lead the formulation, execution, and continuous optimization of brand strategies for the Oncology portfolio (selected indications and other brands as needed)  .

·       Drive brand growth, market preparation, and launch excellence for new product introductions.

·       Ensure alignment of brand plans with global and regional marketing strategies, customizing global materials for local relevance.

·       Deliver the full marketing strategy and tactical plans, ensuring they meet performance expectations across the portfolio.

·       Forecast and monitor performance, adjusting strategies based on market insights and in-market performance metrics.

·       Manage promotional and brand-related budgets, ensuring resource allocation maximizes ROI and supports financial health of the brands.

·       Analyze the local and regional oncology market, identifying commercial opportunities and risks.

·       Understand and articulate the full Customer Buying Process, enabling effective segmentation, targeting, and engagement.

·       Lead and align cross-functional teams—including Sales, Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, CDx, Communications, and others—to ensure cohesive execution of brand and franchise strategies.

·       Coordinate with the Sales Force to ensure successful rollout and execution of marketing and promotional strategies.

·       Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders professionally, fostering strong partnerships that enhance brand performance.

·       Develop and deliver innovative, customer-centric programs aligned to preferred customer channels and needs.

·       Seek new, creative, and digital-first ways of interacting with customers.

·       Develop and execute scientific leader (SL) engagement plans across relevant markets.

·       Prepare and deliver key tactical components including marketing tactics, channel mix, promotional activities, and resource plans.

·       Track local and regional initiatives, manage budgets, and oversee reporting and business information systems required to support marketing and sales activities.

·       Travel locally, regionally and internationally as needed to support business needs.

Qualifications

Required

·       Relevant commercial or health sciences degree.

·       Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.

·       Multinational pharmaceutical company experience.

·       Strong understanding of the South African pharmaceutical market and regulatory environment.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·       Demonstrated strategic thinking, initiative, and problem-solving ability.

·       Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple priorities, and deliver against deadlines.

Preferred

·       Oncology sales or marketing background.

·       Regional SSA market experience.

·       Digital marketing qualification or advanced digital capability.

·       Market access experience.

·       Understanding of French (advantageous).

·       Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and customer-centric skills.

Required Skills:

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. 

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