Job Description

Ocular diseases are among the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide, with a profound impact on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems.

Our ambition in Ophthalmology is to preserve and improve vision through innovation, turning science into tangible value for patients, specialists, and the healthcare ecosystem.

Job Summary / Purpose of the Role

The Director Marketing Ophthalmology is responsible for defining and executing the marketing strategy for the entire ophthalmology pipeline, ensuring early market shaping, launch readiness, and long‑term value creation in a complex and evolving environment.

The role combines strategic leadership, cross‑functional orchestration, and strong external orientation, with the objective of enabling successful and differentiated launches while strengthening our leadership in Ophthalmology.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy, Market Shaping & Launch Excellence

• Assess and shape the market potential of the ophthalmology pipeline, evaluating commercial feasibility through an integrated view of market dynamics, competitive intelligence, scientific evidence, regulatory pathways, and market access considerations

• Build a deep end‑to‑end understanding of the ophthalmology ecosystem to ensure launch readiness and drive the execution of strategic plans

• Lead patient journey mapping in priority ophthalmic conditions, identifying barriers to optimal care and activating innovative solutions to improve outcomes

• Identify structural gaps and unmet needs in the Italian market, translating insights into clear strategic recommendations and prioritized actions

Brand Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Orchestrate high‑quality, integrated cross‑functional brand and launch plans, ensuring strong alignment across Global, Regional, and Local stakeholders

• Define and execute portfolio and lifecycle strategies, including positioning, differentiation, and indication expansion

• Continuously monitor market evolution, competitors, regulatory changes, and guideline updates to anticipate risks and opportunities

• Leverage customer and external insights to refine strategy and unlock sustainable growth opportunities

Customer Engagement

• Develop and sustain strategic relationships with key customers and opinion leaders, supporting a Scientific Leader engagement strategy that enhances the customer experience and reduces friction

• Drive innovative omnichannel engagement models (events, digital, remote, practice‑support tools) that create value for healthcare professionals and patients

• Collaborate closely with Medical Affairs, Market Access, and External Affairs to support a compelling value narrative and enable appropriate access

Leadership, Governance & Performance

• Lead and inspire the cross‑functional Ophthalmology team, ensuring clarity of priorities, accountability, and execution excellence

• Own forecasting, budgeting, and performance management in close collaboration with Finance, balancing top‑line growth and disciplined investment

• Represent Italy in regional and global governance forums and ensure high‑quality presence at key scientific congresses

• Foster a speak‑up, inclusive culture, challenging the status quo and stretching collective thinking to deliver stronger outcomes

• Act with the highest standards of integrity and compliance, fully aligned with company policies and industry regulations

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education

• University degree in scientific, economic, or related disciplines

• MBA or postgraduate qualification in marketing/business preferred

Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry

• At least 5 years’ experience in Ophthalmology

• Proven accountability for marketing strategy and product launches

• Experience in Sales, Market Access, or Medical Affairs considered an advantage

• Demonstrated success in leading teams and cross‑functional organizations

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of the ophthalmology ecosystem and specialty pharmaceutical market

• Ability to integrate medical, clinical, regulatory, and access perspectives into strategy

• Data‑driven and financially solid, with experience managing significant budgets and forecasts

• Outstanding leadership, communication, and influencing skills

• Strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with strong results orientation

• Comfort operating in complex and uncertain environments

• Fluency in Italian and English required

Required Skills:

Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Biomaterials Science, Business Integrity, Business Value Creation, Communication, Creativity, Digital Marketing, Forecasting, Global Governance, Market Access, Marketing, Marketing Automation, Marketing Budget Management, Marketing Strategies, Market Research, Medical Affairs, Ocular Pathology, Omnichannel Marketing, Ophthalmology, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Sales Marketing, Product Launches, Strategic Insights {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

04/7/2026

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