Pharma Business Unit Lead, Finland & Norway

Job Description

We are building a new and ambitious Pharma Business Unit across Finland and Norway and are looking for a senior commercial leader to shape it from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to build, scale and lead a high-impact organization, prepare the markets for multiple upcoming next generation launches across cardiometabolic, immunology and ophthalmology. You will play a central role in driving long-term growth and patient impact across two Nordic countries.

The Role

As Pharma Business Unit Lead, you will have end-to-end responsibility for strategy, launches and commercial performance across Finland and Norway. Reporting to the Managing Director and as a member of the Finland & Norway Leadership Team, you will build and lead a cross-functional Sales & Marketing organization, translate global ambition into strong local execution, and ensure patients gain timely access to innovative therapies.

What You Will Do

• Set the direction: define and execute the Pharma Business Unit strategy and financial plans, with full P&L accountability.

• Build the organization: attract, develop and retain a high-performing and diverse Sales & Marketing team, creating an inclusive culture with psychological safety.

• Lead launches: plan and deliver multiple high-impact product launches using the company Launch Framework, ensuring readiness, governance and learning post launch.

• Drive performance: deliver sustainable growth through forecasting, demand planning, clear KPIs and active performance management.

• Enable access: shape value narratives and evidence in partnership with medical, market access and external affairs teams to secure reimbursement and access pathways.

• Work across the system: lead collaboration across marketing, sales, medical, regulatory, finance and external partners.

• Engage externally: build strong relationships with key external stakeholders including payers, KOLs and national decision-makers.

• Steward resources: own the budget, investments and vendor partnerships to deliver impact efficiently.

What Success Looks Like

• A clear and scalable Pharma Business Unit organization with strong leadership capability in place.

• Successful launch readiness and execution for priority assets across Finland and Norway.

• Strong commercial performance and early uptake of newly launched products.

• Clear progress on reimbursement and patient access pathways in both markets.

• A motivated, inclusive team with a strong performance and learning culture.

Who You Are

• An experienced pharmaceutical commercial leader with a strong track record in product launches and portfolio leadership.

• A proven people leader with direct line-management experience in complex, cross-functional environments.

• Strong understanding of Nordic healthcare systems, reimbursement processes and regulatory landscapes.

• Commercially astute, with experience across primary and specialty care.

• Strategic, hands-on and comfortable leading through ambiguity and change.

• Skilled communicator who can influence senior internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MSc or similar) is an advantage.

• Fluent in English and Finnish; Norwegian language skills are advantageous.

• Willing to travel approximately 20–30% across Finland and Norway.

Why Join Us

• A unique opportunity to build and shape a new Pharma Business Unit with real strategic impact.

• High visibility and direct exposure to senior leadership.

• The chance to lead multiple upcoming launches of innovative therapies that can make a meaningful difference for patients.

• A collaborative Nordic culture that values trust, accountability, inclusivity and development.

• A platform to grow your leadership impact across two markets.

If you are a strategic, hands‑on leader with a passion for launch excellence and building organizations that last, we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to lead our new Pharma Business Unit in Finland and Norway, and make a lasting impact.

Required Skills:

People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pharmaceutical Market, Pricing Strategies, Product Management, Results-Oriented, Sales Forecasting, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Team Leadership

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

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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.