Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting

MSD; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 157,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision healthcare and other insurance

Job summary

MSD Malaysia is seeking an Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting Insights to develop strategic forecasts for multiple products and indications, interpret implications, and communicate insights to marketing and finance to guide strategy.

You will work closely with Market Research, Data Science, Payer Analytics and other DHH functions in a matrixed environment, leading cross-functional teams and driving forecast cycles with a One Team mindset.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years delivering complex analytics in pharma/biotech.
• Experience developing forecast models and scenario analyses.
• Proven cross-functional, matrixed team leadership.
• Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision making.
• Ability to project manage across large teams.

Responsibilities

• Determine forecast modeling approaches and tools for assets/indications.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Data Science, Payer Analytics to develop insights.
• Deliver forecasts aligned with enterprise forecasting process across US/India teams.
• Communicate forecast inputs and outputs to stakeholders.
• Travel up to 20%.

Skills

Forecasting

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Scenario modeling

Strategic planning

Business acumen

Education

Undergraduate degree

Tools

R

Python

SQL

Job description

Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting Insights

Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting Insights, will be responsible for developing strategic forecasts for a set of products and indications, as well as interpreting implications, developing insights, and communicating these to the business to help action the marketing strategy. The individual in this role will work extremely closely with other Digital Human Health (DHH) functions, including Market Research, Data Science, and Payer Analytics to build a strong perspective on the market and asset situation and thus the inputs to the strategic forecast. She/he will also work very closely across a range of commercial stakeholders, including Global and Regional Marketing, Market Access, and Finance. The individual will be an independent contributor but will partner very closely with other forecasting colleagues in a matrixed structure to develop and deliver forecasting insights. She/he will act as a core point of contact regarding development of product and indication forecasts and forecast-related insights. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of and experience across a range of forecasting methodologies, as well as a strong understanding of their respective business area (oncology, pharma, or vaccines). They will have demonstrated the ability to quarterback highly cross‑functional teams across forecasting, market research, and data science, and shown an aptitude for partnering closely with business and finance teams. They will also have an entrepreneurial spirit, consultative mindset, and strong understanding of the available data landscape and sources of insight. This person will help scope, design, and deliver well‑defined forecasting projects (including periodic forecasting cycles) and insights.

Primary Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Strategic Forecasting Insights Director, determine appropriate forecast modeling approaches, tools, and techniques for your respective asset(s) and/or indication(s).
• Partner closely with Marketing Engagement, Market Research, Data Science, Payer Analytics, and other DHH functions on a continual basis to develop appropriate insights strategies and plans to have the necessary inputs for strategic forecasting.
• Develop and deliver the forecasts and forecasting insights for the forecasting cycles aligned with our Company enterprise forecasting process, working closely across a matrixed team including both US and India-based colleagues.
• Support ongoing understanding of and engagement with the business regarding actual performance against forecast, including what is driving it.
• Engage closely with the business (Marketing, Market Access) and Finance in aligning on inputs, outputs, and the overall forecasting insights for each cycle.
• Bring a range of forecasting capabilities in addressing business strategy and decision‑making.
• Partner closely with others in a highly matrixed organization, including across large teams, ensuring we always operate as One Team.
• Drive frequent, clear communication around the forecasting process, inputs, insights, and other related topics to ensure your business and DHH partner stakeholders are aligned.
• Enable interconnected problem‑solving with other DHH functional colleagues and business colleagues around targeted business questions.
• Be a thought leader and strategic partner for our business partners via the establishment of close, trust‑based relationships.
• Understand business stakeholders’ priorities and help develop strategic forecasting‑related solutions that support business objectives in collaboration with the broader commercial insight teams.
• Travel may be required (<20%).

Education Minimum Requirements

Undergraduate degree in related discipline required

Required Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant delivery of complex analytical projectsin the pharmaceutical/biotech industry using market research and/or large patient or physician databases.
• Experience in developing forecast models and/or related analytics (e.g., scenario analysis, business case development, etc.)
• Experience working in highly cross‑functional, matrixed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and lead with empathy and compassion.
• Experience leading varied groups of work colleagues and positively managing ambiguity.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, ability to work independently and collaborate seamlessly.
• Lead without authority.
• Ability to understand business process and break down business questions into specific, tangible hypotheses and requirements to guide analysis.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with an appreciation for data oriented analytical methods.
• Ability to operate in an unstructured environment and have strong organizational skills to create structure and clarity.
• Ability to prioritize work efficiently and effectively to get things done.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Therapeutic area experience (for the respective TA of oncology, vaccines, or pharma/rare).
• Advanced forecasting experience, including developing different types of models (patient‑based, trend‑based, etc.), developing advanced scenarios and simulations, and deeply understanding the nuances of modeling for the respective TA.
• Consultative business partner experience (either within a company or as a consultant).
• Prior experience in functions that this person will be partnering closely with, including Marketing, Market Access, Finance, Market Research, Data Science, or Payer Analytics.

Required Skills

• Building Trust
• Building Trust
• Business Acumen
• Business Alignment
• Business Analysis
• Business Consulting Services
• Business Decisions
• Competency Management
• Cross‑Functional Project Management
• Growth Mindset
• Influencing Skills
• Influencing Without Authority
• Management Consulting
• Marketing
• Matrix Management
• Numerical Analysis
• Scenario Modeling
• Scenario Planning
• Stakeholder Management
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Strategic Alignment
• Strategic Alliances
• Strategic Analysis
• Strategic Consulting
• Strategic Planning {+ 1 more}

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

The salary range for this role is $156,900.00 - $247,000.00

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds.

The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

Location and Travel

Travel may be required (<20%).

Job Details

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date: 10/19/2026

*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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.