Director, Portfolio Lead Intercontinental - Vaccines & Infectious Disease (m/f/d)

Position Summary The Intercontinental Portfolio Lead is a leadership role within the Intercontinental (IC) Regional Team responsible for driving franchise performance, execution excellence, and strategic alignment across the Vaccines & Infectious Disease portfolio. The Portfolio Lead ensures effective translation of strategy into execution, accelerates launch readiness, and delivers sustained performance across markets, while serving as the primary interface between Global Franchises and the Intercontinental Region. The role requires deep enterprise and commercial strategic expertise, hands‑on execution focus, and a strong understanding of the Intercontinental business. Success demands strong analytical skills, exceptional influencing skills with tact and diplomacy, and a proven track record of business leadership, collaboration, and delivering results in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. Franchise Leadership & Regional Stewardship Act as the IC lead and spokesperson for the Vaccines & Infectious Disease franchise. Lead and coordinate the IC franchise community and squads across regions. Drive alignment of strategy, priorities, and execution across markets and sub‑regions (CMOs / RCLs in AP, EEMEA, and LATAM). Represent IC perspectives in global discussions and governance. Act as the primary interface between Global Franchises and Intercontinental, building strong partnerships across global, regional, and local stakeholders. Strategy Execution & Performance Management Consolidate global strategies into clear, actionable regional priorities. Monitor, consolidate, and report business performance across the portfolio. Identify risks and opportunities and drive proactive course correction. Ensure disciplined execution against financial and strategic objectives. Launch Excellence & Portfolio Acceleration Coordinate regional efforts for launch readiness and launch excellence. Drive lifecycle management priorities and portfolio optimization. Support execution across both launch and inline assets. Strategic Initiatives & Capability Building Lead 1–2 cross‑regional strategic projects such as localizations, commercial business development, above‑market partnerships, and capability deployment in coordination with cross‑functional teams (Access, Policy, BD, DHH). Required Experience and Skills Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in marketing, sales, access, commercial operations or related fields in pharmaceutical or management consulting. Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) preferred. Proven track record in commercial strategy and execution, launch excellence and/or portfolio management, and leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives. Exposure to multiple markets and diverse healthcare systems. Preferred Experience and Skills Depth of expertise in Vaccines & Infectious Diseases coupled with Intercontinental region experience; market experience (P&L and people management) is a strong plus. Depth of Marketing, Market Access understanding and P&L management, and a fundamental understanding of the Intercontinental business. Leadership and Impact: Proven track record of high‑performance launches and driving business results. Collaboration & Influence without authority: Strong collaboration skills across commercial, R&D, manufacturing, medical affairs, outcomes research, and access. Communication: Ability to clearly articulate messages across the enterprise and to all levels, including senior leadership. Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to analyze complex data and create clear patient and customer‑centric strategies. Challenging Status Quo: Ability to push past internal obstacles to drive initiatives forward. Travel Position requires up to 30–50% travel. Location Preferred base: Lucerne, Switzerland (Intercontinental HQ). Relocation support available if required. Alternate base: United States (Rahway or Upper Gwynedd). Only U.S.-based local candidates will be considered for U.S. positions; no visa or relocation support to the United States will be provided. Salary and Benefits The salary range for this role is $190,800.00 – $300,300.00, based on education, qualifications, experience, and location. Eligible candidates will also receive annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. Mandatory Self‑Mandate Mandate Mandate Mandate Mandate Mandatory Mandate Mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory -> What??? Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model of three on‑site days per week (Monday‑Thursday) and one remote day (Friday), unless critical business needs require otherwise. This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions where on‑site presence is required. EEO Statement Merck & Co., Inc., is an equal employment opportunity employer. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants 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 legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit the EEOC website. Requisition ID: R401552 #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck