Executive Director, US Marketing Lead Ophthalmology

Merck • North Wales, PA

10h • $255,800 - $402,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

Our US Ophthalmology team is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) through a pipeline of two investigational therapies. We pursue this mission through patient focus, innovation, expanded access to transformative treatments, and collaboration with healthcare systems, governments, and payers. Grounded in scientific rigor and flawless execution, we aim to bring breakthrough therapies to the patients who need them most.
The Executive Director, US Marketing Leader will lead U.S. marketing strategy and execution for the first launch, a late-stage pipeline asset for DME and nAMD, while also shaping early U.S. commercial strategy for pipeline assets in the ophthalmology portfolio. This leader will build and lead the healthcare professional (HCP) and healthcare consumer (HCC) marketing teams and partner closely with Payer and Scientific Strategy teams. Working across the enterprise, the role will help deliver a successful launch and sustained growth for the first launch, while collaborating with Global Marketing to inform early commercial decisions for pipeline assets in the ophthalmology portfolio.
This role reports to the Associate Vice President, U.S. Ophthalmology Franchise Leader.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industries.
• Advertising Campaign Development
• Biopharmaceutical Industry
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Biopharmaceutics
• Brand Management
• Customer-Focused
• Data Analysis
• Decision Making
• Executive Presence
• Financial Management
• Innovation
• Macular Degeneration
• Market Analysis
• Marketing Strategies
• Market Research
• Medical Affairs
• Omnichannel Marketing
• Ophthalmology
• People Leadership
• Pricing Strategies
• Professional Networking
• Sales Collaboration
• Strategic Management
• Strategic Planning

Nice To Haves

• MBA or equivalent business qualification.
• Proven success in marketing, market access, sales, and launch execution.
• Strong ability to attract, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of market dynamics, patient journeys, and the payer landscape, preferably in retina and ophthalmology.
• Ability to turn complex data into actionable strategies and use innovation to drive impact.
• Exceptional ability to work across commercial and cross-divisional teams.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Launch experience strongly preferred.
• Ophthalmology, retina, or specialty biologics preferred.
• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
• US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
• San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
• Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
• 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 place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the marketing strategy for the first launch to drive growth and maximize market potential. Partner with Global Marketing to shape early marketing decisions for pipeline assets for the ophthalmology portfolio and overall portfolio strategy.
• Lead integrated brand planning and execution for the first launch, overseeing HCP and HCC commercial activities while partnering with Scientific Strategy, Payer Marketing, Global Ophthalmology, Digital, data and analytics team, and other key stakeholders to ensure a cohesive commercialization plan and execute with precision.
• Work across the enterprise with Medical Affairs, Value and Implementation, Global Marketing to align on critical strategic decisions, including product profile, labeling, scenario planning, enterprise narrative, and lifecycle planning for the portfolio.
• Lead U.S. launch readiness for the first launch across key workstreams, including supply, customer engagement, data and analytics, field deployment and readiness, patient support, communications, and marketing campaigns.
• Define and execute an omnichannel strategy across customer audiences, using digital innovation, analytics, and real-world insights to drive adoption and persistence.
• Own financial forecasts and the overall promotional budget for our Company's Ophthalmology, using market insights, industry trends, and analytics to inform key assumptions.
• Build and lead a high-performing HCP and HCC marketing organization, providing clear direction, coaching, and development opportunities. Lead a team of approximately eight employees.
• Ensure all activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive