Global Head of External Medical Engagement

Merck Group • $251K — $409K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in life science, public health, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 12+ years in Medical Affairs, patient engagement, or external stakeholder engagement in biopharmaceuticals
  • 7+ years leading global or complex cross-functional teams
  • Proven success in building and scaling external engagement and patient programs
  • Deep understanding of compliant engagement with patients and healthcare professionals
  • Advanced analytical skills with a focus on performance analytics and data-driven insights
  • Familiarity with AI and analytics applications in Medical Affairs.

Responsibilities

  • Shape the strategic direction for global external medical engagement
  • Lead a team of approximately 50 professionals across various functions
  • Own the multi-year roadmap for omnichannel and digital engagement capabilities
  • Champion the adoption of AI and analytics tools in field medical and congress functions
  • Establish enterprise standards for engagement quality and ROI measurement
  • Partner with Clinical Development, Regulatory, and other departments to ensure cohesive engagement
  • Define how external engagement is designed, delivered, and measured throughout the product lifecycle.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Additional perquisites
Full Job Description
Your Role

In this pivotal role, you will shape the future of how a global science and technology company engages with patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, scientific experts, and the broader medical community. As the enterprise-wide leader of external medical engagement, you will set the strategic direction, governance, and operating model for a global organization of approximately 50 professionals spanning Patient Engagement and Activation, Patient Support Programs, Medical Training and Capabilities, Field Medical Effectiveness and Insights, and Congresses. Your leadership will define how external engagement is designed, delivered, and measured across the full product lifecycle, ensuring every interaction is patient centered, scientifically credible, compliant, and impactful.

You will own the multi year roadmap for omnichannel and digital engagement capabilities, champion responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and analytics tools across field medical and congress functions, and establish enterprise standards for engagement quality, insight generation, and return on investment measurement. As a member of the Global Medical Affairs leadership team, you will partner across Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial, Compliance, Communications, and Market Access, while retaining Medical Affairs ownership of external engagement standards globally.

Who You Are

Basic / Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in life science, public health, or a related field considered with equivalent experience)
  • 12+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, patient engagement, medical education, field medical, or external stakeholder engagement within the biopharmaceutical industry or a comparable regulated environment.
  • 7+ years of experience leading global or complex cross functional teams, including matrix leadership across regions and cultures.
  • Demonstrated success building and scaling external engagement, field medical excellence, or patient engagement programs across multiple markets and therapeutic areas.
  • Deep knowledge of compliant and ethical engagement with patients, healthcare professionals, scientific experts, and external organizations, including transparency and disclosure requirements.
  • Advanced analytical mindset with proficiency in performance analytics, engagement quality measures, and translating data driven insights into strategic decisions.
  • Working knowledge of artificial intelligence and analytics applications in Medical Affairs, including associated compliance and quality implications.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD) preferred
  • Prior country or regional Medical Affairs experience, such as field medical leadership, medical director, or medical advisor roles.
  • Familiarity with digital engagement platforms, social listening tools, medical customer relationship management systems, and business intelligence or dashboarding solutions.
  • Experience in Oncology, Fertility, Immunology, or Neurology, and with patient organizations in those therapeutic areas.
  • Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate with clarity and influence senior stakeholders across functions, geographies, and cultures.
  • Proven change leadership capability, including experience driving operating model evolution, technology rollout, and capability transformation at scale.


Pay Range for this position: $ 251,000- $409,300

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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