Associate Director, Vaccines Business Lead - Gulf Markets

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.
  
  

Requisition ID R362559

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA