Therapeutic Area Head, South Africa and SubSaharan Africa

Job Description

This role is pivotal in advancing country and regional clinical research capabilities, overseeing the full lifecycle of clinical trials across several therapeutic areas in the region. It is central to ensuring robust study performance, compliance with local regulations, and fostering operational excellence. With responsibility for multiple trials, this position drives both strategic initiatives and day-to-day management, directly impacting the success of clinical research and future talent development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead one or more therapeutic areas and oversee portfolio execution, enrollment, and quality

• Develop operational strategies and quality plans for studies within the portfolio. Ensure all timelines and key milestones for clinical trials are met

• Provide line management and functional oversight to clinical research managers and contractors. Conduct performance reviews and address performance-related issues as needed and promote talent development and retention within the team

• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including investigators, regulators, and vendors. Collaborate with directors and stakeholders to expand investigator and site networks

• Supports strategic initiatives across Global Clinical Development GCD and GCTO

• Supports local strategy development consistent with long-term corporate needs in conjunction with CRD.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science or equivalent healthcare experience is required; an advanced degree (MD, PhD, Pharm D, MS) is preferred.

• At least 10 years of experience in clinical trial organization, with a minimum of 2 years in functional management roles.

• Experience in clinical research associate (CRA), project management, and line management is highly valued.

• Strong strategic thinking skills and proven ability to collaborate effectively across functions and boundaries and communicate fluently in business English.

• Proficiency in regulatory and documentation requirements for clinical trials, including sound knowledge of ICH-GCP and Good Documentation Practices.

• Varied therapeutic expertise and ability to identify risk and mitigation strategies

Required Skills:

Clinical Trials Operations, Conflict Resolution, Functional Management, ICH GCP Guidelines, Multiple Therapeutic Areas, People Management, Project Management, Resource Allocation, Strategic Thinking, Training and Development

Preferred 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:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

04/22/2026

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