Job Description

As the Oncology Brand and Customer Manager for SSA, you will be at the forefront of our mission to enhance access to innovative oncology solutions across multiple countries. You’ll leverage your deep understanding of market dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and customer needs to develop and execute strategic marketing initiatives that resonate with healthcare providers and patients alike. You will be responsible for all product activities, within the defined region, relating to the development and implementation of the Oncology commercial strategy.

The position will develop and oversee the commercial and brand strategy for the Oncology Franchise and assume responsibility for new product launches.  The role will also be responsible for developing and implementing digital strategies and providing the necessary digital tools and / or content.

Responsibilities include but will not be limited to the following key activities:

•   Accountable for the successful delivery of the marketing strategy and tactics to deliver performance across the oncology portfolio
•   Analyze local market and identify commercial opportunities; allocate resources and manage budgets
•   Develop strategies for major accounts; track, monitor progress and adjust activities accordingly
•   Lead alignment between different cross functional teams
•   Ensure cross functional team Plans (Sales, Medical, CDx, Market Access, PCPH and Regulatory are in line with brand / franchise local strategic priorities
•   Understand and articulate the Customer Buying Process and execute Customer segmentation and targeting
•   Lead local customer teams for Brand and align around local brand / franchise Strategy
•   Implement Regional & Global Marketing Strategy for the Brand locally
•   Develop country PP – marketing Tactics, Channel Mix, PA, resources sections
•   Provide forecasting and track local initiatives and utilization of local promotion budgets (oversight)
•   Utilize materials developed by the global teams and customize it to local markets
•   Search for new and innovative ways of interacting with the Customer with a particular focus on digital solutions.
•   Understand the Customers channel preferences and develop and deliver innovative programs and services in line with Customer needs 

The position will have primary responsibility for the following: 
•    Accountable for the growth and performance of Oncology brands 
•    Lead the formulation and execution on brand strategy for Oncology brands
•    Oversee and co-ordinate the implementation of such strategies by the Sales Force
•    Drive market preparation and launch excellence for new product introductions
•    P&L responsibility which include forecasting, product promotional spend that will drive positive ROI, resource allocation that will deliver financial strength of the brands 
•    Develop and implement robust Scientific leader engagement plans 

Other Activities
The incumbent needs to
•    Be able to meet deadlines, work within a team, and have the ability to collaborate and communicate with all internal and cross-functional stakeholders (including Sales Team, Medical department, our Manufacturing Division, Finance Department, HR Department, External Affairs Department, Market Access)
•    Demonstrate the ability to liaise with relevant external customers on a professional basis is critical (including Oncologists, relevant referring specialists, Network groups, funders)
•    Immediately implement existing strategies and develop new promotional strategies and material for the brands within Oncology portfolio 
•    Have the ability to liaise with key SL’s on a professional basis
•    Be able to meet deadlines, work autonomously, analyse, plan and implement strategies
•    Rapidly acquire an understanding and knowledge of the clinical information relevant to the therapeutic area associated with his/her promoted brand(s).
•    Rapidly acquire an understanding and knowledge of the reporting systems and Business Information systems and processes relevant to his/her team. 
•    Travel within the country and internationally, weekend and evening work when necessary is required.
•    Apply strong leadership skills in line with our Leadership Principles and the ability to influence others.
•    Display strong interpersonal and negotiation skills

Qualifications
•    A relevant commercial or health sciences qualification
•    At least 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical market
•    Multinational pharmaceutical company experience as a must
•    South African Market Experience is a must
•    Regional market experience an advantage 
•    Oncology sales or marketing background is preferred
•    Digital marketing or similar qualification will be an advantage 

•    Market access experience is an advantage

Key competencies:

Skills
•    Excellent written and verbal communications skills. 
•    Understanding of French would be an advantage 
•    Understands and effectively communicates with internal cross functional team as well as external customers
•    Strong understanding of the business, compliance and regulatory environment in which the company competes and communicates
•    Demonstrates initiative, strategic thinking and creative problem solving skills
•    Must have a demonstrated ability to brand, promote and  market products  and concepts
•    Digital marketing 
•    Demonstrated effective organizational and communication skills are required
•    Self-motivated driver, able to work autonomously

Behavioral
•    Drive results
•    Foster collaboration
•    Planning and organizational skills
•    High-end interpersonal skills and customer centricity
•    Focus on customer and patients

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

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:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

*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.

Requisition ID:R331258