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

Job Description Reports to: AVP Intercontinental Business Operations Position Summary The Intercontinental Portfolio Lead is a critical 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 will ensure effective translation of strategy into execution, accelerate launch readiness, and deliver sustained performance across markets, while serving as the primary interface between Global Franchises and the Intercontinental Region. In addition, the Portfolio Lead is accountable for leading 1-2 high‑impact cross‑regional strategic initiatives focused on advancing capabilities, improving execution models, and unlocking growth across Intercontinental markets. Position Responsibilities 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 in‑line 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 across marketing, sales, access, commercial operations, or related areas in the pharmaceutical or management consulting industry. 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, leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives. Exposure to multiple markets and diverse healthcare systems. Preferred Experience and Skills Depth of therapeutic area expertise in Vaccines & Infectious Diseases , coupled with Intercontinental region experience (market experience is a strong plus; P/L and people management). 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 and cross‑divisional teams. 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 Preference: Lucerne, Switzerland (Intercontinental HQ). Relocation support can be provided to the successful candidate if required. The role may also be based in the United States, in Rahway or Upper Gwynedd. Only U.S.-based local candidates will be considered for U.S.-based positions, and no visa or relocation support to the United States will be provided. Salary & Benefits Salary range: $190,800.00 - $300,300.00. In addition to base salary, the successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. Equal Employment Opportunity 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 are a federal contractor and comply with 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.