Associate Director, Vaccines Business Lead - Gulf Markets

Merck Sharp & Dohme IDEA Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Director for their Vaccines Business Unit in Dubai, focused on driving business across Gulf markets. The successful candidate will lead strategies for public sector tenders, develop high-performing teams, and engage with key government stakeholders. Candidates should have 7-10 years of experience in pharmaceutical sales and a deep understanding of Gulf healthcare systems. Fluency in English is required, with Arabic being a plus. This role will involve frequent travel across the region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years in pharmaceutical sales, marketing, or business development.
• Proven experience in Gulf markets with understanding of diverse healthcare systems.
• Vaccines experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Vaccines Business in Gulf markets.
• Develop market-specific strategies for sector opportunities.
• Manage government tender processes and build relationships with key stakeholders.

Skills

Multi-Market Expertise

Public Sector Acumen

Collaboration

Communication

Results Focus

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

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

• 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

Required Experience

Director