Director, US Pharma Payer Marketing New Products

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, US Pharma Payer Marketing New Products

🔹 Company: Merck

🔹 Location: North Wales, Pennsylvania, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)

🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals

🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a team of payer marketers to drive payer-focused activities for the company's pipeline and business development
• Developing access strategies, pricing, and contracting strategies for new products
• Collaborating with various stakeholders, including Global Marketing, Global Market Access, US New Products, and Business Development
• Providing a point of view on payer access for pipeline products and business development targets
• Coaching and developing team members to build a high-performing team

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the US healthcare ecosystem and payer landscape.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead a team of payer marketers to drive payer-focused activities for the company's pipeline and business development

✅ Develop access strategies, pricing, and contracting strategies for new products

✅ Collaborate with various stakeholders, including Global Marketing, Global Market Access, US New Products, and Business Development

✅ Provide a point of view on payer access for pipeline products and business development targets

✅ Coach and develop team members to build a high-performing team

✅ Leverage market and customer insights to shape market access strategies

✅ Support US Finance in the development of forecasts

✅ Develop payer customer segment strategy to inform forecast and choices regarding future products

✅ Actively participate in the development of value evidence strategies, coordinating with Outcomes Research and the Value & Implementation Team

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and influencing, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) required, Master's degree (MBA) preferred

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in marketing, payer, or account management

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership and team-building skills
• Deep understanding of the US healthcare ecosystem and payer landscape
• Strong strategic development and scenario planning skills
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Ability to coach and develop team members
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of digital platforms for customer analytics and customer engagement
• Account management or contract negotiation experience
• Experience spanning functional boundaries to effectively prioritize work and build partnerships

ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates with a strong track record of driving business impact and leading teams through change will be most successful.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for mid-senior level roles in pharmaceutical marketing)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tuition assistance
• Adoption assistance
• Employee assistance program

Working Hours: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)

ASSUMPTION: The estimated salary range is based on industry standards for mid-senior level roles in pharmaceutical marketing. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Merck is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, focused on developing and commercializing medicines and vaccines.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, Merck offers extensive resources and opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: 1891. Merck has a long history and established reputation in the pharmaceutical industry.

Company Description:

• Merck is committed to improving global health through the development of important medicines and vaccines
• The company operates in more than 140 countries and has a diverse portfolio of products that treat many of the world's most challenging diseases
• Merck is also dedicated to advancing sustainability and responsible business practices

Company Specialties:

• Pharmaceutical research and development
• Vaccine development and manufacturing
• Animal health
• Consumer care

Company Website: www.msd.com

ASSUMPTION: As a large, established company, Merck offers a stable work environment with extensive resources and opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level. This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to drive strategic initiatives.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the US Pharma Payer Marketing Lead as a member of the US Pharma Payer Marketing leadership team.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote). This arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining a strong on-site presence for collaboration and leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance within the marketing leadership team or explore other leadership roles within the organization
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and drive business results
• Access to learning and development resources to support career growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to drive business impact and advance within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote). The on-site office is located in North Wales, Pennsylvania.

Office Location(s): 90 E Scott Ave, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, US (Global headquarters) and 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, US (US headquarters)

Geographic Context:

• North Wales, Pennsylvania is a suburb of Philadelphia, offering a mix of urban and rural living options
• The area has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas in the Northeast
• North Wales is approximately 30 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site, 2 days remote).

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining a strong on-site presence for collaboration and leadership.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final round interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Leadership and team-building skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of the US healthcare ecosystem and payer landscape
• Communication and influencing skills
• Cultural fit with the organization

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Research Merck's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit with the organization
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the US healthcare ecosystem and payer landscape

ATS Keywords: Payer Marketing, Pharmaceutical Marketing, Strategic Development, Team Leadership, US Healthcare Ecosystem, Payer Landscape, Access Strategies, Pricing Strategies, Contracting Strategies, Market Access Strategies, Customer Insights, Value Propositions, Business Development, Account Management, Digital Platforms, Scenario Planning, Coaching, Collaboration, Outcomes Research, Value & Implementation Team

ASSUMPTION: As a large organization, Merck uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Veeva)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Digital marketing platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Marketing Cloud)

ASSUMPTION: As a large organization, Merck uses a variety of tools and technologies to support its business operations. Proficiency in relevant tools is important for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Inventing for Life: Merck is committed to improving global health through the development of important medicines and vaccines
• Customers First: Merck prioritizes the needs of its customers and patients, striving to provide exceptional service and support
• Respect and Integrity: Merck fosters a culture of respect, integrity, and ethical behavior
• Inclusion and Diversity: Merck values and promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all employees
• Collaboration: Merck encourages collaboration and teamwork to drive innovation and success

Work Style:

• Merck values a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence
• The company encourages a healthy work-life balance and supports employee well-being
• Merck offers a flexible work environment, including remote and hybrid work arrangements

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with Merck's company values?
• How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a hybrid work environment?
• How do you balance work-life responsibilities in a flexible work arrangement?

ASSUMPTION: As a large organization, Merck values a strong cultural fit with its employees. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their alignment with the company's values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team remotely, requiring strong leadership and communication skills
• Navigating a large, matrixed organization, with multiple stakeholders and priorities
• Keeping up with the fast-paced and evolving US healthcare ecosystem and payer landscape
• Balancing strategic development with day-to-day tactical responsibilities
• Managing work-life balance in a hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on payer marketing for new products and business development within the pharmaceutical industry
• Similar roles may include Payer Marketing Director, Market Access Director, or Business Development Director, but with a focus on established products rather than new products and business development
• Career paths may include progression to senior leadership roles within pharmaceutical marketing or transition to other leadership roles within the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic initiatives and impact the pharmaceutical industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing an access strategy for a new product launch, including pricing, contracting, and customer segmentation
• Conducting a competitive landscape analysis and developing a strategic response to a competitor's product launch
• Leading a team to assess the business development potential of a target and develop a strategic plan for acquisition or partnership

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and leadership aspects of this role, requiring strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader strategic goals of the organization?
• What are the key priorities for the team in the first 90 days?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?
• How does the company foster a culture of inclusion and diversity?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help candidates understand the strategic context, team dynamics, and company culture, enabling them to make an informed decision about the role.

📌 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 experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Research Merck's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit with the organization
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the US healthcare ecosystem and payer landscape
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview 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.