Associate Director Marketing Oncology

Merck Sharp & Dohme IDEA Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company based in Dubai, UAE, is seeking an Associate Director of Oncology Marketing. This role involves driving brand strategy across Gulf markets and managing a complex portfolio. Candidates should have a BS/BA in a relevant field and five years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a preference for oncology experience. Strong analytical skills, creativity, and excellent communication abilities are required. The position offers a chance to impact product launches and develop a marketing strategy in an evolving market.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in the multinational pharmaceutical industry required.
• Oncology experience is a strong preference.
• Fluent spoken and written English is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead therapeutic area across Gulf markets with high complexity.
• Compile market product requirements and manage portfolio lifecycle.
• Drive brand strategy implementation with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Strong understanding of business environment

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Creative problem-solving

Customer-centricity

Education

BS/BA degree (medical or pharmaceutical)

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Associate Director Oncology Marketing leads his/her therapeutic area / large product category with high level of complexity across Gulf markets and leads multiple indications and new product launches, building brand strategy and driving its implementation with cross‑functional teams (digital marketing, sales access, regional marketing team, country leadership teams, medical regulatory, supply chain, etc.). Compiles and evaluates research on market product requirements, leads budgeting and forecasting for the portfolio, controls execution of the marketing budget, and manages the portfolio life cycle.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collect customer insights and run market analysis to understand the market landscape, customers, and competitors; analyze local market trends and identify opportunities for the portfolio.
• Lead cross‑functional teams for the portfolio.
• Lead a small team of Brand Customer Managers / Junior Brand Customer Managers; coach and mentor Brand & Customer Managers to support their onboarding and professional growth.
• Develop and execute brand strategy based on inputs from key stakeholders and market insights, aligning with Company / Cluster strategic priorities.
• Adapt and align the regional brand plan to local needs; communicate with regional / global marketing teams and cascade relevant information/actions at the country / cluster level.
• Create tactical plans and customer solutions (including digital marketing) based on the agreed strategy.
• Inspire the sales force to be fully engaged with brand strategy and customer solutions implementation, providing relevant support, training and guidance, and conducting regular joint field visits.
• Work with Scientific Leaders and other stakeholders in close collaboration with Medical Affairs (e.g., advisory boards, congresses).
• Deliver and monitor forecasting for all financial cycles of the company, aiming at high accuracy; monitor sales performance and track expenses according to budget.
• Deliver brand communication assets and key solutions to all critical customers and stakeholders through omni‑channel solutions.
• Analyze market and performance data, customer feedback, and make necessary adjustments to strategy and tactical plans.
• Support access to products in the market by developing solutions in close collaboration with Market Access, Policy, and other relevant teams.
• Develop and plan resource allocation effectively to address changing market dynamics and out‑maneuver competition.
• Identify opportunities to optimize brand growth and profitability, ensuring appropriate allocation of expenses and budget.
• Drive transformational initiatives and large cross‑functional projects.
• People management: attract, onboard, develop, and ensure successful performance of employees in the team.

Requirements:

• The applicant must hold a BS/BA degree (medical or pharmaceutical).
• Five years of experience in the multinational pharmaceutical industry is required.
• Oncology experience is a strong preference.
• Marketing experience is a plus.
• Companion Diagnostics experience is a plus.
• GCC and Gulf market experience is strongly preferred.
• Fluent spoken and written English is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with internal cross‑functional teams and external customers.
• Strong understanding of the business and regulatory environment in which the company competes and communicates.
• Demonstrates initiative, strategic thinking, and creative problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under stringent timelines and due dates in the most effective and efficient manner.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to brand‑promote and market products and concepts.
• Demonstrated effective organizational and communication skills are required.
• Analytical skills with strong business acumen.
• Marketing analysis and communication.
• Strategic thinking.
• Creative, innovative, and able to motivate others.
• Excellent in handling PowerPoint and Excel.
• Drive results.
• Foster collaboration.
• Planning and organizational skills.
• High‑end interpersonal skills and customer‑centricity.
• Focus on customer and patients.