Associate Director - HCP Strategy Lead, HIV Prevention

Associate Director - HCP Strategy Lead, HIV Prevention Join the US launch team for an investigational Phase III HIV prevention asset to lead HCP strategy development and execution. The HCP lead will drive the end‑to‑end HCP approach from insight generation to strategy development, content creation in partnership with agency and internal teams, and omnichannel delivery to ensure successful launch planning and execution. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute marketing strategies: Own clear and compelling HCP strategies for the US PrEP team, including insight generation, strategic priorities, target‑setting, and short‑ and long‑term launch plans. Marketing Foundations: Lead and manage relevant components of L3 (our core strategic marketing framework), including identification of strategic choices, segmentation, messaging, and resource needs/development. Customer research and insights: Define and set market research objectives and data needs, work with cross‑functional teams to identify customer and market trends and insights, and use these insights to inform marketing strategies and drive customer engagement. Collaborate with internal stakeholders: Work closely with cross‑functional teams to align marketing efforts with business objectives; coordinate with field strategy, scientific strategy and consumer marketing counterparts to ensure message consistency and strategic alignment across consumer and physician channels; partner with the promotion review team to secure approval for marketing content; partner with sales and channel teams to ensure a comprehensive suite of resources is available at launch, along with clear objectives, execution goals, and measurement plans; ensure the sales team is informed, engaged and motivated to support execution at launch. Lead in matrix environment: Lead day‑to‑day engagement with creative teams, media, comms, research, and digital agencies for key HCP segments; lead work through insight, brief, development, validation, approval, primary production and delivery; partner with HCP Marketing Product Owner and Hub teams to support pull‑through of key content and deliver on full marketing plans. Digital marketing: Develop and implement digital marketing strategies with cross‑functional teams to engage and educate HCPs, utilizing social media, email marketing and content marketing. Performance tracking and analytics: Monitor and analyze marketing campaign performance using relevant metrics and tools; identify areas of improvement and implement optimization strategies to maximize ROI. Budget management: Manage assigned marketing budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize ROI; ensure ongoing budget tracking, forecasting and scenario planning to support financial stewardship. Compliance and regulatory guidelines: Ensure all marketing activities are compliant with industry and regulatory guidelines and company policies; anticipate regulatory risks and proactively adjust strategies to maintain compliance. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in a related field (BA/BS) MBA or equivalent preferred Required Experience & Skills Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical/biotech experience; 5 years of brand marketing experience. Knowledge of physician marketing channels, sales force engagement, content strategy and performance measurement frameworks. Strong analytical skills and comfort with data‑driven decision‑making. Excellent communication, presentation and project management skills. Familiarity with compliance, regulatory processes and marketing requirements. Strong program and project management capability: track record of managing multiple concurrent initiatives, setting priorities, meeting deadlines and delivering high‑quality results on time and within scope. Strategic thinker with operational discipline who translates long‑term strategy into executable plans while maintaining rigorous attention to detail and measurable KPIs. Comfortable operating in high‑visibility environments, performs effectively under pressure and adapts to changing priorities with resilience. Influential collaborator and negotiator: builds strong internal and external relationships, navigates stakeholder dynamics and secures alignment and commitment across functions. Preferred Skills HIV treatment or prevention, or related public health experience. Product launches and pre‑launch commercialization activities. Demonstrated expertise and experience in HCP activation/engagement and agency partnerships. Proven self‑starter with a hands‑on, results‑driven approach. Ability to influence without authority and drive team toward a common goal. Familiarity with omnichannel marketing and digital channel integration as well as agile marketing process. Location & Work Model Upper Gwynedd, PA – Hybrid (3 days on‑site per week per U.S. hybrid work model) Travel: 25% required. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $142,400.00 – $224,100.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for an annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family, retirement benefits including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days. EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other U.S. State Acts, please visit the EEOC website. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.