Ph3Position Overview /h3pWe are seeking a seasoned and strategic Executive Director to work closely with the Associate Vice President (AVP), Europe Canada Hub Leader, to lead and advise the Public Policy efforts in two ways: strongLead selected Europe Canada policy strategic initiatives that cut across markets, therapeutic areas or functions, with a focus on Most Favored Nation (MFN) markets and other markets reporting directly to the Regional President for Europe Canada. /strong strongDesign, select and implement strategies for any required therapeutic area across Europe Canada, in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders. /strong The position will be based in the company’s policy office in the EU district of Brussels, Belgium, with frequent external face‑to‑face engagements with policy‑makers and stakeholders in Brussels. The Executive Director will join two other Executive Directors in the AVP’s Leadership Team responsible for overall quality, prioritization, coordination across the Europe Canada policy agenda, and talent development for the Hub. The role includes direct management of two policy directors and oversight of other Hub team members as required. /ph3Key Responsibilities /h3ulliSupports public policy strategic initiatives across the region, particularly in response to a changing and challenging operating environment landscape. /liliTogether with the AVP, shapes and aligns strategy, policy positions and action plans for priority products and high‑impact policy issues. /liliEnsures alignment and coordination with Global Public Policy colleagues for selected therapeutic areas and shares important market insights to shape the global strategy. /liliLeads policy prioritization and planning efforts, including impact tracking, policy analysis and preparation of executive briefing materials. /liliPartners with the AVP, his Leadership Team and Policy Heads in specific markets to craft clear public policy positions and strategic ‘asks’ for use by senior leaders and spokespeople. /liliAdvocates the Company’s policy positions with EU institutions and organizations, either directly or through coordination with internal teams, while aligning national‑level efforts with broader EU advocacy, including engagement with EFPIA and Brussels‑based stakeholders. /liliFosters exchange of relevant information among stakeholders, builds alliances and consensus around processes and resources to drive towards common objectives. /liliCollaborates cross‑functionally with internal teams, including brand, market planning, regulatory, clinical research and corporate affairs, to deliver integrated, high‑impact policy initiatives. /liliSupports the development of policy capabilities and talent across the region. /liliCollaborates with Policy Heads in specific markets to guide and activate the Company’s European policy network, serving as a catalyst for change aligned with business priorities. /liliFacilitates effective interactions within the Europe Canada Hub and other internal divisions, including global therapeutic area policy, to ensure alignment and integration. /liliBuilds relationships internally and externally that promote learning, obtain results and strengthen alliances with other internal functions. /liliEngages with and advises internal and external business partners with differing expectations and objectives. /liliContinuously monitors policy and legislative developments in key markets and EU institutions, anticipating emerging issues, sharing insights with business leadership cross‑functionally and identifying opportunities to shape the external environment in alignment with the company product portfolio and product pipeline. /liliEstablishes and maintains a broad network of relationships with key stakeholders in national markets both within and outside the Company. /li /ulh3Job Dimensions /h3pThis office‑based role involves regional travel and may include occasional visits to global HQ. Work location is the Company’s Brussels Policy office in Belgium (Rue du Commerce31). /ph3Experience and Qualifications /h3ulliBachelor’s degree required; higher‑level degree candidates preferred. /liliExtensive experience in public policy or government affairs within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry. /liliProven experience in therapeutic areas, including EU and/or key launch markets; proven ability to influence policy and legislative processes nationally and/or regionally. /liliStrong hands‑on cross‑functional leader with deep knowledge of the Company’s therapeutic areas, pipeline and portfolio (internal candidates) or similar experience in another pharmaceutical company (external candidates); experienced in aligning patient‑centric strategies with business priorities. /liliStrong people‑management skills and ability to inspire and lead transformation initiatives, as well as achieve results, influence with and without authority, and contribute toward a common agenda with defined action. /liliDemonstrated experience working across culturally diverse and matrixed teams with a high degree of collaboration. /liliSelf‑starter with innovative spirit, highly effective at proactively identifying policy risks and opportunities and exploring new ways to address policy challenges. /liliFluent in English (written and verbal); additional language proficiency relevant to Europe Canada markets is an asset. /li /ulh3Required Skills /h3ulliCoalition Management /liliGovernment Relations /liliHealth Equity /liliHealth Technology Assessment (HTA) /liliLegislative Issues /liliMedia Relations /liliPeople Leadership /liliPolicy Development /liliPublic Health Policy Development /liliPublic Policy Analysis /liliPublic Relations (PR) Management /liliPublic Speaking /liliRegulatory Development /liliResults‑Oriented /liliStrategic Planning /li /ulh3Additional Information /h3pMerck Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp Dohme LLC, 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. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr