Job Description

Associate Director - Learning and Development/Field Force Effectiveness (m/f/d)

The Associate Director - Learning and Development/Field Force Effectiveness (m/f/d) supports and facilitates learning and development activities within the cluster and influences the design and execution of the learning plans to achieve business results. The role supports our Sales teams, Business Unit directors and their direct reports in the execution of the L&D strategy through consulting and delivery on appropriate learning solutions. With a special focus on field force effectiveness, they will closely collaborate with the cluster GM, BU leads and sales managers. This is to ensure we have a continuous cycle of learning, coaching, and improving our sales force capabilities and performance.

They engage with key stakeholders to ensure learning solutions continue to support and positively drive desired outcomes. The role holder is expected to spend considerable amount of time in the field working directly with sales manager and sales representatives.

Success in this role depends on the candidate’s ability to collaborate well with Business Unit Leads, subject matter experts, Veterinary Technical Service (TSV) members and other Learning Partners and Learning Consultants in EURAM region. The position holder will be expected to work cross-functionally to act as a partner and point of contact for the business’ performance needs and communicate them to support design and delivery of learning solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Effectively establish, deepen and sustain key relationships with Business Unit Leads and mid-level managers to understand their business needs and related performance gaps, provide oversight and analysis when defining requirements, and demonstrate an understanding of processes and methodology in order to provide appropriate learning solutions

• Being responsible for the implementation of the annual L&D Curriculum in alignment with the local business and Global L&D function

• Training Sales Managers to be best in class sales coaches through select learning solutions

• Monitoring and reporting performance of sales managers coaching and selling skills in action and providing them additional support where needed

• Lead collaborative efforts with stakeholders to define desired performance outcomes; provide feedback and coaching on issues related to learning programs and policies

• Identify performance needs and gaps and facilitate delivery of learning solutions to the business, when appropriate

• Monitor, analyze, interpret, and report internal trends; make recommendations for learning solutions for the business, as appropriate

• Remain current on learning and development related tools, techniques, strategies and practices in order to provide relevant, informed consultative advice to clients; share leading learning practices with teams and stakeholders

• Ensure successful learning outcomes by directing the identification and translation of the client’s learning needs into a defined learning strategy and implemented solutions

• Act as a liaison between the Learning Support Services function and stakeholders to ensure alignment with learning needs; Ensure learning solutions created meet the requirements of the client; Identify alternate non-training solutions when appropriate

• Deliver training and/or support to TSV members by providing training, as needed

• Understand feedback provided by Learning Support Services (LSS) on the overall success of the learning solutions; Interpret and discuss feedback with stakeholders, and monitor impact and cost-effectiveness of learning solutions; suggest improvements to further enhance learning program effectiveness and sustainability

• Report timely feedback on learning effectiveness to the business through pre-determined KPIs and communicate suggestions for improvement

• Document needs for customization or localization of learning programs

• Review interim/unplanned learning activities and requests; make appropriate recommendations

Field Force Effectiveness & Business Analytics:

• Align with local key stakeholders (Com Ops, IT, MDM, L&D, etc.) on Data & Analytics strategy towards standardizing the KPI management & reporting.

• Support managers and business leads with training and coaching on the usage of the analytical tools to get the best out of the data to support their teams and customers.

• Support managers and business leads with training and coaching on the usage of the resource allocation to maximize performance of our field teams

• Collaborate with local Analytics/CRM teams in the improvement of the CRM (MaXX) capabilities such as Dx / Remote / Face to face interactions and in the improvement of the CRM (MaXX) capabilities force operating guidelines

• Collaborates with GMs & BUDs and sales Managers on execution of sales effectiveness solutions

• Manage execution and maintenance of field coaching platform within our CRM (MaXX) and can add value to an individual’s role supporting them to achieve greater results.

Competencies:

• Leadership: Demonstrated skill in applying approaches, tools, and techniques to gain the cooperation and support of others; ability to lead by example and foster collaborative relationships

• Influencing: Advanced ability to partner, collaborate, and impact decisions within and outside the organization

Requirements:

• Min. 10 years experience in pharmaceutical industry or similar

• Experience as sales representative, sales manager and training manager

• Fluency in spoken and written German and English language

• Willingness to travel

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

Our Territory Representatives interact face to face with our customers, understand their needs and consult to offer the right solutions. We work collaboratively in Field Sales Teams and play a critical role in supporting our customer centric business model.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

People with severe disabilities and their equivalents will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Business Administration, Business Case Development, Business Data Analytics, Business Management, Business Relationship Building, Business Studies, Change Management, Coaching, Data Analysis Tools, Leadership, Learning Strategies, Management Process, Operations Management, Organizational Alignment, Pharmaceutical Industry, Process Improvements, Project Management, Results-Oriented, Sales Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking {+ 1 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, 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.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

Yes

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

12/31/2025

*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.