Associate Director - Strategic Forecasting

MSD•North Wales, PA

2d•$156,900 - $247,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting, develops strategic forecasts for assigned products and indications, interprets forecast implications, generates insights, and communicates those insights to support marketing strategy execution. The role partners closely with Market Research, Data Science, Payer Analytics, Global and Regional Marketing, Market Access, and Finance to build a strong perspective on market and asset conditions and forecasting inputs. As an independent contributor in a matrixed organization, the Associate Director serves as a core point of contact for product and indication forecasts and forecast-related insights. The role scopes, designs, and delivers forecasting projects, including periodic forecasting cycles, and brings expertise in forecasting methods, data sources, and commercial strategy. It requires leadership across cross-functional teams, independent work, strong communication, a consultative approach, and continuous learning. The position may require travel of less than 20% and is listed as a hybrid role, with its primary location in Upper Gwynedd, Pennsylvania.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
At least 5 years of relevant experience delivering complex analytical projects in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry using market research and/or large patient or physician databases.
Experience developing forecast models and/or related analytics, such as scenario analysis or business case development.
Experience working in highly cross-functional, matrixed teams and demonstrated ability to collaborate and lead with empathy and compassion.
Experience leading diverse groups of colleagues and positively managing ambiguity.
Self-motivation, proactivity, ability to work independently, and ability to collaborate seamlessly and lead without authority.
Ability to understand business processes and break business questions into specific, tangible hypotheses and requirements to guide analysis.
Strong problem-solving skills and appreciation for data-oriented analytical methods.
Ability to operate in an unstructured environment and use strong organizational skills to create structure and clarity.
Ability to prioritize work efficiently and effectively.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Therapeutic area experience in the respective area of oncology, vaccines, or pharma/rare diseases.
Advanced forecasting experience, including developing patient-based and trend-based models, advanced scenarios and simulations, and understanding therapeutic-area-specific modeling nuances.
Consultative business partner experience, either within a company or as a consultant.
Prior experience in partner functions such as Marketing, Market Access, Finance, Market Research, Data Science, or Payer Analytics.

Responsibilities

Work with the Strategic Forecasting Insights Director to determine appropriate forecast models, tools, and techniques for assigned assets and indications.
Partner continuously with Marketing Engagement, Market Research, Data Science, Payer Analytics, and other DHH functions to develop insight strategies and plans that provide necessary forecasting inputs.
Develop and deliver forecasts and forecasting insights for cycles aligned with the enterprise forecasting process, working with a matrixed team that includes US- and India-based colleagues.
Support ongoing business understanding of actual performance against forecast and the factors driving performance.
Engage with Marketing, Market Access, and Finance to align on forecasting inputs, outputs, and insights for each cycle.
Apply a range of forecasting capabilities to business strategy and decision-making.
Collaborate across the matrixed organization and promote a One Team approach.
Communicate clearly and frequently about the forecasting process, inputs, insights, and related topics to align business and DHH stakeholders.
Enable interconnected problem-solving with DHH and business colleagues around targeted business questions.
Build close, trust-based relationships and serve as a thought leader and strategic partner to business partners.
Understand business stakeholders' priorities and develop forecasting solutions that support business objectives in collaboration with commercial insight teams.