Job Description

The Oncology Brand and Customer Manager performs a critical role in the Oncology cross-functional team with primary responsibility of the marketing and promotional efforts supporting selected Oncology Portfolio. The BCM drives collaborative efforts with the sales team and market access function, as well as working closely with the Medical team to provide critical customer insight and a coordinated approach to the implementation of promotional and non-promotional field based activities. The BCM is responsible for all product activities, within the defined therapeutic franchise and region, relating to the development and implementation of the Oncology Business Unit Strategy. The position will develop and oversee the commercial and brand strategy for the relevant Oncology Franchise and assume responsibility for new product launches within that franchise. The role will 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 designated 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, Communication 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 market
• 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 the oncology brand(s) within the designated franchise
• Lead the formulation and execution on brand strategy for designated indications and brands as applicable
• 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 promotion 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, 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 SLs on a professional basis
• Be able to meet deadlines, work autonomously, analyze, 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 company's 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
• Oncology sales or marketing background is a plus
• Digital marketing or similar qualification will be an advantage

Key competencies:

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Understands and effectively communicates with internal cross functional team as well as external customers
• Strong understanding of the business 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 anothers thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

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: Temporary (Fixed Term)

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 25%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Specified

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: Yes

Hazardous Material(s):

MSD