Director Marketing, Animal Health - Vaccine Franchise

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director Marketing, Animal Health - Vaccine Franchise

🔹 Company: Merck

🔹 Location: Rahway, New Jersey, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals

🔹 Date Posted: July 18, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid: 3 days on-site per week)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategic plans for the companion animal vaccine portfolio
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch and commercialize new products
• Building and maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders and industry stakeholders
• Managing budgets and resources for the vaccine portfolio
• Engaging with external partners to advance the company's vaccine initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the animal health market and vaccine development processes.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the development and execution of the strategic plan for the companion animal vaccine portfolio

✅ Oversee the research and development of new vaccines, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and industry standards

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, sales, and regulatory affairs, to ensure the successful launch and commercialization of new products

✅ Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote the companion animal vaccine portfolio, leveraging market insights and competitive analysis

✅ Build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders, veterinary professionals, and industry stakeholders

✅ Provide leadership and mentorship to the vaccine development team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence

✅ Manage the budget and resources for the companion animal vaccine portfolio, ensuring efficient and effective use of funds

✅ Engage with external partners, including regulatory bodies, industry associations, and research institutions, to advance the company's vaccine initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and external stakeholder management. Successful candidates will have a proven track record in these areas.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree/MBA preferred

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of marketing, sales, or Animal Health Operations experience, including at least 5 years of people management experience

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to develop and execute marketing strategies that drive product adoption and market growth
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven track record of successful product launches and market penetration
• Knowledge of biological/vaccine market preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the animal health industry or related field
• Familiarity with the companion animal vaccine market

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a strong background in strategic marketing will be most competitive for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $187,000 - $294,400 per year

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days

Working Hours: Full-time (Hybrid: 3 days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, with Friday designated as a remote-working day)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is the lowest to highest salary the company believes it would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1891 (as Merck & Co., Inc.)

Company Description:

• Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, is a global healthcare company that delivers innovative health solutions through the development of important medicines and vaccines
• The company aspires to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world, with a focus on delivering innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals
• Merck is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operating responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for all people and communities

Company Specialties:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Vaccines
• Animal Health
• Consumer Care

Company Website: www.msd.com

ASSUMPTION: As a large, multinational corporation, Merck offers a wide range of career opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package. The company's extensive resources and global reach enable it to invest heavily in research and development, driving innovation in the healthcare industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Management

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing, Animal Health

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, with Friday designated as a remote-working day)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential progression to Vice President or other senior leadership roles within the Animal Health division or broader organization
• possibility to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives across multiple product portfolios
• Opportunity to gain experience in a large, multinational corporation and develop a strong professional network

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the Animal Health division or the broader organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters

Office Location(s): Rahway, New Jersey, United States

Geographic Context:

• Rahway is a city in Union County, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 7,500 people
• The city is located about 20 miles southwest of New York City and is easily accessible by train or car
• Rahway offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of housing options and amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time (Hybrid: 3 days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, with Friday designated as a remote-working day)

ASSUMPTION: Rahway, New Jersey, offers a convenient location for commuters, with easy access to New York City and other major metropolitan areas. The city also provides a range of housing options and amenities, making it an attractive place to live and work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-depth behavioral and situational interviews
• Final-round interviews with senior leadership
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Industry knowledge and market insights
• Communication and presentation skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
• Research the company and industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm
• Practice common interview questions and your responses to build confidence and clarity

ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, product launch, market penetration, cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, vaccine development, animal health, pharmaceutical sales, strategic planning

ASSUMPTION: As a large corporation, Merck uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage and streamline the application process. Including relevant keywords in your resume and application materials can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: As a large corporation, Merck uses a wide range of tools and technologies to support its operations and drive efficiency. Familiarity with these tools and a willingness to learn new ones are essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Quality
• Respect
• Results
• Collaboration

Work Style:

• Merck fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• The company values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strives to create an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and respected
• Merck encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements to support employee well-being

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment?
• Are you comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and managing complex projects?
• Do you have a proven track record of driving results and achieving objectives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Merck's values and work style, and who can demonstrate a strong cultural fit, will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a large portfolio of products and a significant budget requires strong organizational and leadership skills
• Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders can be challenging, requiring excellent communication and project management skills
• The animal health market is dynamic and competitive, requiring a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs
• The role may involve occasional travel to attend industry conferences, meetings, or other events

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers significant opportunities for growth and impact, it also presents unique challenges that require a strong, strategic mindset and excellent leadership skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing within the animal health or pharmaceutical industries
• However, this role is unique in its focus on the companion animal vaccine portfolio and the requirement to manage a significant budget and resources
• Career progression in this role may differ from that of a traditional marketing role, with opportunities to advance within the Animal Health division or the broader organization

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing roles, its unique focus and requirements set it apart and offer distinct growth and development opportunities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new companion animal vaccine, including market research, competitive analysis, and promotional planning
• Managing the product launch of an existing companion animal vaccine in a new geographic region, including market assessment, stakeholder engagement, and promotional activities
• Conducting a portfolio review and optimization analysis to identify opportunities for cost savings, improved efficiency, or enhanced revenue growth

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, cross-functional, and analytical nature of the work required in this role. Successful candidates will have a proven track record in similar projects or related experiences.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current marketing strategies for the companion animal vaccine portfolio and how this role will contribute to their evolution?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams within the Animal Health division and the broader organization?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the companion animal vaccine portfolio, and how can this role address them?
• How does Merck support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in senior leadership roles?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company's culture, priorities, and expectations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
• Research the company and industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm
• Practice common interview questions and your responses to build confidence and clarity
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.