Associate Director, Vaccines Business Lead - Gulf Markets

Merck Sharp & Dohme IDEA Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 440,000 - 588,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Dubai is looking for a strategic leader for their Vaccines Business Unit. This role involves leading the vaccine business across Gulf markets, managing public sector tender processes, and developing high-performing teams. The ideal candidate has 7-10 years of experience in pharmaceutical sales and a deep understanding of Gulf healthcare systems. A Bachelor's degree is required, with an advanced degree preferred. Fluency in English is necessary, and Arabic skills are a plus. Frequent travel across Gulf markets is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years in pharmaceutical sales, marketing, or business development.
• Proven experience in Gulf markets and understanding of healthcare systems.
• Experience in public sector tenders and private market development.

Responsibilities

• Lead Vaccines Business in Gulf markets through strong financial performance.
• Manage government tender processes including bid preparation.
• Liaise with key opinion leaders and government officials.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Relationship Management

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

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: Bachelors 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

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End of Posting

Job Posting End Date: 09/13/2025

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