Position Overview
The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.
We 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:
Lead 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.
Design, select and implement strategies for any required therapeutic area across Europe & Canada, in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders.
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.
Key Responsibilities
Supports public policy strategic initiatives across the region, particularly in response to a changing and challenging operating environment landscape.
Together with the AVP, shapes and aligns strategy, policy positions and action plans for priority products and high‑impact policy issues.
Ensures alignment and coordination with Global Public Policy colleagues for selected therapeutic areas and shares important market insights to shape the global strategy.
Leads policy prioritization and planning efforts, including impact tracking, policy analysis and preparation of executive briefing materials.
Partners 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.
Advocates 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.
Fosters exchange of relevant information among stakeholders, builds alliances and consensus around processes and resources to drive towards common objectives.
Collaborates cross‑functionally with internal teams, including brand, market planning, regulatory, clinical research and corporate affairs, to deliver integrated, high‑impact policy initiatives.
Supports the development of policy capabilities and talent across the region.
Collaborates 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.
Facilitates effective interactions within the Europe & Canada Hub and other internal divisions, including global therapeutic area policy, to ensure alignment and integration.
Builds relationships internally and externally that promote learning, obtain results and strengthen alliances with other internal functions.
Engages with and advises internal and external business partners with differing expectations and objectives.
Continuously 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.
Establishes and maintains a broad network of relationships with key stakeholders in national markets both within and outside the Company.
Job Dimensions
This 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).
Experience and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; higher‑level degree candidates preferred.
Extensive experience in public policy or government affairs within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
Proven experience in therapeutic areas, including EU and/or key launch markets; proven ability to influence policy and legislative processes nationally and/or regionally.
Strong 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.
Strong 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.
Demonstrated experience working across culturally diverse and matrixed teams with a high degree of collaboration.
Self‑starter with innovative spirit, highly effective at proactively identifying policy risks and opportunities and exploring new ways to address policy challenges.
Fluent in English (written and verbal); additional language proficiency relevant to Europe & Canada markets is an asset.
Required Skills
Coalition Management
Government Relations
Health Equity
Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
Legislative Issues
Media Relations
People Leadership
Policy Development
Public Health Policy Development
Public Policy Analysis
Public Relations (PR) Management
Public Speaking
Regulatory Development
Results‑Oriented
Strategic Planning
Additional Information
Merck & 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. xphnsxz Please, no phone calls or emails.
#J-18808-Ljbffr