Job Description

Position Overview

This position reports directly to the Vaccines Business Unit Director and is responsible for all vaccine business across the Gulf markets (UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain & Oman).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Leadership:

• Lead Vaccines Business in  Gulf markets through strong financial performance and operational excellence
• Develop and execute market-specific strategies for public sector tenders and private sector opportunities
• Navigate diverse regulatory environments and healthcare systems across the five Gulf countries

Tender Management Excellence:

• Lead public sector sales strategy across UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain & Oman
• Manage government tender processes, including bid preparation, pricing strategies, and stakeholder engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with Ministry of Health officials, procurement committees, and key decision-makers

Stakeholder Management:

• Liaise with key opinion leaders, physicians, and target groups across all markets
• Maintain relationships with government officials, procurement teams, and healthcare administrators
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams locally and regionally

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, recruit, and develop high-performing vaccine teams across multiple markets
• Provide coaching and support for team development plans
• Foster collaboration culture between team members and internal stakeholders

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required (Advanced degree preferred)
• Minimum 7-10 years in pharmaceutical sales, marketing, or business development
• Proven experience in Gulf markets with understanding of diverse healthcare systems
• Experience in both public sector tenders and private market development preferred
• Vaccines Experience is preferred

Core Competencies:

• Multi-Market Expertise: Deep understanding of Gulf healthcare systems, regulatory environments, and market dynamics
• Public Sector Acumen: Experience with government tender processes, procurement procedures, and stakeholder management
• Collaboration: Strong collaboration skills within organization and cross-divisional teams
• Communication: Ability to articulate messages across diverse cultural and professional contexts
• Results Focus: Driven, results-oriented thinking with high performance standards

Language & Cultural Requirements:

• Fluency in English required
• Arabic language skills preferred
• Ability to travel frequently across the five Gulf markets

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Business Management, Market Access, Marketing Management, People Management, Policy Management, Public Sector Management, Sales Management, Strategic Thinking, Tender Management, Vaccine Management

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

09/13/2025

*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.