Job Description

Franchise Lead, Atherosclerosis, Germany

Ignite Innovation. Lead Our Return to Cardiovascular Excellence.

Are you passionate about transforming cardiovascular care and driving breakthrough therapies to patients who need them most? Do you have the vision, energy, and leadership to shape the future of cholesterol management in Germany? Join us as our Franchise Lead Atherosclerosis to champion the launch of Enlicitide—our highly anticipated re-entry into cardiovascular medicine—and prepare for the future introduction of the first oral PCSK-9.

This is more than a job; it's an opportunity to leave a legacy for patients, the healthcare system, and our organization. If you’re ready to inspire, empower, and drive meaningful change, we invite you to lead with us.

Job Description

As Franchise Lead Atherosclerosis, you will be the driving force behind our cardiovascular franchise in Germany and will be based in Munich. You will own and shape the launch strategy for Enlicitide and set the stage for our oral PCSK-9 entry, leading with a bold vision and relentless execution. You will champion cross-functional collaboration, develop high-performing teams, and build deep partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure we exceed expectations and deliver outstanding value to patients and the healthcare community.

Primary Activities

• Refine and adapt the franchise strategy for the German market, anticipating challenges and opportunities to maximize impact.
• Ensure launch readiness through dynamic cross-functional team leadership, guiding diverse teams towards common goals with clarity and inspiration.
• Lead the flawless execution of all launch and commercialization activities, setting an exemplary standard for operational excellence.
• Recruit, hire and build high-performing team.
• Lead, develop, and manage the team based on our strategic priorities and values—placing well-being and growth opportunities for each member at the heart of your leadership approach.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key external stakeholders (including healthcare professionals, patient organizations, payers, and policy makers) to deliver exceptional value to patients and the wider healthcare system.
• Collaborate and foster strong, productive relationships with internal stakeholders at the regional and global levels, ensuring alignment and sharing best practices.
• Ensure excellence in execution: set ambitious yet realistic expectations, focus teams on what matters most, measure progress rigorously, and hold yourself and others accountable for results.
• Demonstrate robust financial acumen through accurate forecasting, budget management, and disciplined resource allocation, thereby maximizing franchise performance.
• Ensure uncompromising compliance with all company standards, values, and local regulations.

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Healthcare, Business, or related field required.
• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, MBA, PhD) preferred.

Work Experience

• Multiyear (minimum 5 years) experience in sales and marketing, ideally combined.
• Pharmaceutical marketing, as well as launch experience is essential; international exposure is a strong plus.
• Proven track record as a formal Team Lead, with demonstrated success in leading and influencing cross-functional teams to achieve extraordinary results.
• Extensive experience working with cross-functional teams to deliver against ambitious targets.
• Strong understanding of the German Market Access and Health Policy environment.
• Deep understanding of L3Next as our way of working and strategic framework, as well as mastery of the End-to-End Marketing Process.

Competencies / Skills

• Inspirational and purpose-driven leadership, with a passion for developing talent and building empowered, engaged teams.
• Strategic vision, analytical thinking, and a results-oriented mindset.
• Excellent relationship management, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to influence and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and resilience in a fast-moving, dynamic environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize effectively under pressure.
• Strong ethical compass and commitment to compliance and integrity in all actions.
• Fluency in German and English required; additional languages are an asset.

Are you ready to shape the future of cardiovascular health and redefine what’s possible for patients in Germany? If you are driven by purpose, inspired by challenge, and passionate about leadership—apply now to join our journey!

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 another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

People with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Budget Management, Communication, Creativity, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Customer Experience Management, Digital Marketing, Financial Due Diligence, Financial Forecasting, Financial Management, Leadership, Management Process, Market Access, Marketing Automation, Marketing Budget Management, Marketing Operations, Market Research, Omnichannel Marketing, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Sales Marketing, Productivity Management, Product Launches, Regulatory Compliance {+ 5 more}

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

10/3/2025

*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.