Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Director, Payer Marketing

Merck & Co, Inc$142K — $224K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 6+ years in payer marketing or market access strategy within pharma/biotech; or 7-8 years consulting in healthcare with payer marketing experience.
  • Ability to navigate complex organizational structures effectively.
  • Understanding of the US healthcare ecosystem and payer segment economics.
  • Familiarity with healthcare trends and their business impacts.
  • Proficient in applying marketing principles to market research insights.
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Support the launch of Lipfendra by developing market access strategies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute access strategies fit for payer objectives.
  • Monitor and adjust strategies based on payer feedback and market dynamics.
  • Create promotional campaigns and customer segment strategies for payers.
  • Input US payer perspective into brand marketing and new product planning efforts.
  • Aid in the development of value evidence strategies with Outcomes Research teams.
  • Assist in forecasting of segment-level finance to support brand goals.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families.
  • Retirement benefits including a 401(k) plan.
  • Paid time off for holidays, vacation, and sick days.
  • Support for employees requiring accommodations during the application process.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Associate Director, US Pharma Payer Marketing, Atherosclerosis, will play a critical role in supporting the successful launch of Lipfendra and will be responsible for developing, refining, and executing market access strategies and solutions to support the launch. The individual will collaborate across functions including Brand Marketing, Integrated Account Management, Outcomes Research, Medical, Global Market Access (GMAx), DHH, and Policy to focus on ensuring strong payer access, clear value communication and alignment across teams. In this role, the Associate Director will also monitor access performance and refine access strategy to ensure we are able to achieve appropriate patient access objectives and patient reach.

The role will be joining the team responsible for Payer Marketing for Atherosclerosis, and more specifically, focus on the launch of Lipfendra, the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor. The role may support other assets and projects within the US Pharma Business Unit aligned with business priorities.

*Please note: This role is hybrid and requires access to one of the noted our company's sites in PA or NJ

Primary Responsibilities Include:

  • Identify opportunities and support appropriate pull-through activities and payer related solutions for field sales and account management teams. Monitor payer feedback and market dynamics to inform tactical adjustments to strategy

  • Work extensively with customer and account facing teams to support the execution of the access strategy and ensure access objectives

  • Leverage market and customer insights to shape market access strategies

  • Develop payer customer segment strategies and promotional campaigns

  • Provide US payer input into Brand Marketing, Global Market Access Teams, new product planning, Integrated Account Management, Legal, Compliance, and Finance

  • Active participation in the development of value evidence strategies; strong coordination with Outcomes Research / V&I (Value & Implementation Team)

  • Support US Finance in development of segment level forecasts in support of brand forecast

  • The role may also focus on pipeline products and require development of pricing, contracting, and access strategies as well as informing value and implementation plans, forecasts, and the US perspective in cross functional settings

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree required

  • MBA, MPH, Pharm D or other advanced degree preferred

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Minimum of 6 years combined payer marketing, pricing/market access strategy, marketing/sales leadership, or account management, in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry; OR 7-8 years of experience in consulting in the healthcare industry with direct payer marketing and pricing strategy experience for supporting a product launch and seeing it through

  • Strong ability to establish relationships and navigate a complex matrixed organization with efficiency

  • Demonstrated understanding of the mechanics and economics of the healthcare Ecosystem, including influences across various payer segments

  • Demonstrated understanding of US healthcare trends and policy issues and their potential impact upon our company's business opportunities

  • Strong knowledge of marketing principles and activating market research insights

  • Ability to translate market trends and customer needs into customer resources or tactics

  • Ability to learn quickly and to assess a variety of scenarios, strategically and operationally

  • Demonstrated strategic thinking, problem solving, analytical critical thinking

  • Excellent leadership and communication skills

  • Demonstrated success in establishing, developing and maintaining business relationships

  • Strong collaboration, project management and organizational skills; ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple tasks within deadlines

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Experience developing market access and pricing / contracting strategies for pipeline products

  • Demonstrated experience launching a biopharma product

  • Demonstrated experience navigating promotional review committees or processes

  • Consulting/Stakeholder Management experience in cross-functional capacity

  • Driving for results while establishing relationships and navigating matrixed organizations

Required Skills:
Account Management, Account Management, Adaptability, Agile Principles, Brand Marketing, Business Relationship Building, Commercial Account Management, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Customer Insights, Financial Analysis, Market Access, Market Research, Patient Access, Payer Marketing, Performance Monitoring, Pharmaceuticals Marketing, Pricing Strategies, Principles of Marketing, Product Management, Product Planning, Promotions Management, Sales Support, Stakeholder Influence, Stakeholder Management

Required Skills:

Account Management, Account Management, Adaptability, Agile Principles, Brand Marketing, Competency Management, Creativity, Customer Engagement, Customer Insights, Financial Analysis, Industry Trend Analysis, Market Access, Market Analysis, Market Dynamics, Market Entry, Market Entry Strategy, Market Penetration, Market Research, Market Trend Analysis, Matrix Management, Pipeline Management, Pipeline Planning, Pricing Strategies, Product Management, Product Rollouts {+ 9 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

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

The salary range for this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

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. More information about benefits is available at .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

09/11/2026

*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.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

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Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

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Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

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We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

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Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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