Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting

MSD•North Wales, PA

2d•$156,900 - $247,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting Insights, develops strategic forecasts for products and indications, interprets forecast implications, generates insights, and communicates findings to help inform marketing strategy. The role works closely with Digital Human Health (DHH) functions—including Market Research, Data Science, and Payer Analytics—to build a perspective on market and asset conditions and establish forecast inputs. It also partners with Global and Regional Marketing, Market Access, Finance, and forecasting colleagues in a matrixed organization. The role is an independent contributor and a core point of contact for product and indication forecasts and related insights. The successful candidate brings broad experience with forecasting methodologies and a strong understanding of a relevant business area, such as oncology, pharma, or vaccines. They lead cross-functional work spanning forecasting, market research, and data science, partner with business and finance teams, and bring an entrepreneurial, consultative approach and knowledge of available data sources. They scope, design, and deliver forecasting projects and insights, including periodic forecasting cycles. The role calls for strong leadership, independent work, continuous learning, and excellent communication. Travel may be required, less than 20%. The position is based primarily in Rahway, New Jersey, with hybrid work arrangements.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
At least 5 years of relevant experience delivering complex analytical projects in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology 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, with the ability to collaborate and lead with empathy and compassion.
Experience leading varied groups of colleagues and positively managing ambiguity.
Self-motivation, proactivity, and the ability to work independently and collaborate seamlessly, including leading without authority.
Ability to understand business processes and translate business questions into tangible hypotheses and requirements to guide analysis.
Strong problem-solving skills and appreciation for data-oriented analytical methods.
Ability to work in an unstructured environment, create structure and clarity through strong organizational skills, and prioritize effectively.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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