Director, Portfolio Lead Intercontinental – Pharma… at Merck · Rahway

Director, Portfolio Lead Intercontinental – Pharma / Specialty (m/f/d) Location: CHE - Lucerne - Lucerne (Rösslimatt) 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 Pharma/Specialty 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. The role requires deep enterprise and commercial strategic expertise, a hands-on execution-focused leadership approach, and a strong understanding of the Intercontinental business. Success requires strong analytical skills to generate insights and actionable plans, 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. Position Responsibilities Franchise Leadership & Regional Stewardship Act as the IC lead and spokesperson for the Pharma/Specialty 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 experiences in pharmaceutical or management consulting company 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 Pharma/Specialty, coupled with the Intercontinental region experience (Market experience is a strong plus (P&L and people management)) Depth of Marketing, Market Access understanding and P&L management, as well as 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, both within commercial teams and cross divisional teams including R&D and manufacturing, medical affairs, Outcomes Research and Access Communication: Ability to clearly articulate messages/information across the enterprise and to all levels, including highest levels of 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 is for this role to be based in Lucerne, Switzerland (Intercontinental HQ). Relocation support will be provided to the successful candidate, if required. The role may also be based in the U.S., in Rahway or Upper Gwynedd. Required Skills: Agile Methodology, Brand Messaging, Creativity, Digital Marketing, Direct Marketing, Financial Acumen, Market Development, Market Research, Pricing Strategies, Professional Networking, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Veterinary Medicine Preferred Skills: 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: Regular Relocation: International VISA Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 50% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): no Job Posting End Date: 07/18/2026 *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. Additional Locations: USA - New Jersey - Rahway, USA - Pennsylvania - Upper Gwynedd