PCV & Pediatric Lead (Associate Director)
Merck & Co.
This listing was originally posted on Merck & Co.'s careers page. Formulate is an equal opportunity job aggregator and is not involved in the hiring process. Where salary information is estimated, it is derived from BLS industry benchmarks and may differ from actual compensation.
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This role is accountable for end-to-end franchise performance and P&L ownership for the PCV and Pediatric portfolio, ensuring sustainable growth, successful product launches, and strong market leadership.
The role serves as the franchise strategy and execution leader, responsible for defining portfolio ambition, shaping strategy, and orchestrating execution across key commercial drivers, including brand strategy, HCP engagement, pricing, demand forecasting, channel strategy, and market access.
The incumbent leads a team of Brand Strategy Managers and HCP Product Managers and acts as the single point of accountability for franchise performance, while ensuring alignment with overall business unit priorities and governance.
This role partners closely with Commercial, Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, Finance, and Global/Regional teams to deliver aligned, impactful, and compliant execution.
Success in this role is defined by the ability to drive strong business performance, build a high-performing team, deliver successful launches, and unlock sustainable growth across the portfolio.
PRIMARY ACTIVITIES
1. Franchise P&L Ownership & Business Performance
Accountable for franchise performance, including revenue, volume, market share, forecasting, and budget management
Define portfolio ambition, financial targets, and growth trajectory
Lead annual operating plan (AOP), long-range plan (LRP), and business reviews
Oversee budget allocation, investment prioritization, and ROI optimization
Proactively identify risks and opportunities and ensure delivery of business goals
2. Portfolio Strategy & Growth Leadership
Define and oversee end-to-end portfolio and brand strategy across PCV and Pediatric pipeline
Ensure strong integration across:
Brand strategy
HCP engagement and execution
Market access, pricing, and commercial strategy
Drive portfolio prioritization, lifecycle management, and growth initiatives
Continuously assess market dynamics and identify new growth opportunities
3. New Launch Leadership (Critical Accountability)
Own overall launch strategy and performance for Pediatric new products
Ensure excellence across all phases:
Pre-launch market shaping
Launch readiness and execution
Post-launch optimization
Align cross-functional teams on launch ambition, roadmap, and KPIs
Drive agile decision-making and rapid course correction
4. Portfolio Activation & Demand Generation (Full Ecosystem)
Lead holistic portfolio activation strategy, beyond HCP engagement
Orchestrate demand generation across:
HCP engagement (via P2 roles)
Channel and customer access
Trade and distribution
Institutional and ecosystem stakeholders
Ensure seamless integration across Marketing, Commercial/Trade, Sales, and Access
Drive end-to-end customer journey excellence
5. Commercial Strategy (Pricing, Forecasting, Trade, Access)
Oversee key commercial levers:
Demand forecasting and scenario planning
Pricing strategy and access optimization (volume vs value trade-offs)
Trade/channel strategy and customer segmentation
Partner with Finance, Market Access, Commercial, and Regional teams
Ensure decisions are data-driven, competitive, and aligned with business objectives
6. Cross-Functional & Regional Leadership (One VACC)
Act as the strategic integrator across all functions
Lead alignment across local, regional, and global teams
Ensure clarity in decision-making and strong execution discipline
Foster a One VACC mindset, prioritizing collaboration and shared accountability
7. Team Leadership & Capability Building
Lead, coach, and develop:
Brand Strategy Managers
HCP Product Managers
Build a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable team culture
Strengthen capabilities in:
Strategic thinking and portfolio management
Launch excellence
Commercial acumen and customer-centricity
Drive strong people development and succession planning
8. KOL & External Stakeholder Leadership (Strategic Oversight)
Provide strategic direction on KOL and stakeholder engagement across portfolio
Engage directly with top-tier KOLs and key stakeholders when required
Ensure KOL strategy supports:
Scientific leadership
Market shaping
Adoption and advocacy
9. Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Compliance
Foster an entrepreneurial and growth-oriented mindset
Challenge status quo and identify innovative solutions to accelerate growth
Balance ambition with discipline, ensuring full compliance with company policies and local regulations
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, Life Sciences, or Business
MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred
Experience
Minimum 8–10 years of experience in pharmaceutical/vaccine marketing or related roles
Proven track record in:
Franchise or portfolio performance ownership
Brand strategy and product launches
Strong experience in:
Commercial strategy (pricing, forecasting, trade, access)
Cross-functional leadership in matrix environment
Experience working with regional/global teams
Experience in vaccines and/or pediatric portfolios strongly preferred
Required Skills:
Adaptability, Advertising Campaign Development, Agile Methodology, Creative Campaign Development, Decision Making, Digital Analytics, Marketing Budget Management, Marketing Strategy Implementation, Market Research, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pricing Strategies, Principles of Marketing, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Strategic ThinkingPreferred 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.
Employee Status:
RegularRelocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
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Job Posting End Date:
06/30/2026*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.
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