Associate Specialist Strategic Forecasting

Job Description

Position Overview :

We are leveraging analytics and technology, as we invent for life on behalf of patients around the world. We are seeking those who have a passion for using data, analytics, and insights to drive decision making, that will allow us to tackle some of the world’s greatest health threats. Within our commercial Insights, Analytics, and Data organization we are transforming to better power decision-making across our end-to-end commercialization process, from business development to late lifecycle management. 

Strategic Forecasting is a global function encompassing long-range pharmaceutical asset forecasting across the product lifecycles of all assets within Human Health (Oncology, Vaccines, Hospital Specialty / Primary care). Assets include early and late-stage molecules in clinical development, companies under considerations by business development for partnering and/ or acquisition as well as currently launched products. Forecasting deliverables support division planning and decision making across multiple functional areas such as finance, manufacturing, product development and commercial. In addition to ensuring high-quality deliverables, our team drives synergies across divisions, fosters innovation and best practices, and creates solutions to bring speed, scale and shareability to our planning processes.  As we endeavor, we are seeking a dynamic talent for the role of “Associate Specialist – Strategic Forecasting” 

We are looking for a team member within strategic forecasting team based out of Pune. Robust forecasting is a priority for businesses, as the product potential has major implications to a wide range of disciplines. While forecasting of realistic potential can be arrived through both qualitative and quantitative methods, the challenge lies in selecting and deploying the right methodology. Thus, it is essential to have someone who understands and aspires to implement advanced analytics techniques such as Monte Carlo simulations, agent-based modeling, conjoint frameworks, NLP, clustering etc. within forecasting vertical. 

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Responsible for delivering forecasts and analytical solutions 

• Drive continuous improvements to evolve the existing forecasting capabilities in terms of value-add, risk/ opportunity/uncertainty - identify and elevate key forecasting levers/insights/findings to inform decision making 

• Works closely with cross functional teams to align on forecasting assumptions, perform analytics to inform assumptions such as peak share, ToT, impact of competitors, etc. to help countries improve forecast quality across financial submissions. 

• Applies advanced statistical methods and models to deliver data-driven insights and recommendations to address business questions/opportunities. 

• Drive automation to bring in robustness and efficiency gains in forecasting/process; and ways to improve forecast accuracy 

• Determine the optimal method for forecasting, considering the context of the forecast, availability of data, the degree of accuracy desired, and the timeline available 

• Contribute in evolving our offerings through standardization/ automation of various offerings, models and processes 

 

Qualification and skills: 

• Engineering / Management / Pharma post-graduates with 0-3 years of experience in the relevant roles; preferably in pharmaceutical strategic forecasting or analytics. 

• Strong analytical skills; an aptitude for problem solving and strategic thinking 

• Ability to work collaboratively across large and diverse functions and stakeholders 

• Working knowledge of Monte Carlo simulation and advanced analytical techniques  

• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights 

• Proven ability to communicate effectively across all levels of stakeholders 

• Understands key business nuances/challenges, uses the best data available and applies appropriate methodologies to provide business insights 

Required Skills:

Agent Based Modeling, Biopharmaceutics, Business Analysis, Business Management, Business Partnerships, Data Insights, Decision Making, Financial Forecasting, Immunotherapy, Marketing, Numerical Analysis, Oncology, Product Forecasting, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Forecasting, Strategic Planning, Veterinary Medicine, Waterfall Model

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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 in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

05/16/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.