Vice President, Global Program Head Oncology

Merck Group$229K — $381K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline (MD, PhD, or PharmD) preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in global drug development in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors.
  • Strong late-stage oncology experience is highly preferred.
  • Expertise across drug development phases including clinical and regulatory processes.
  • Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional global program teams in a matrix environment.
  • Proven track record in market access and product launches with a broad therapeutic understanding.
  • Strong business acumen and demonstrated leadership capability.

Responsibilities

  • Establish overall program vision and strategy for global programs.
  • Shape external environment to enhance the company's competitive position.
  • Anticipate internal and external changes affecting program strategy.
  • Ensure alignment across global functions and execute collaborative plans.
  • Serve as primary contact for internal communications for assigned programs.
  • Manage budget decisions related to program execution.
  • Build and lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO) policies.
  • Retirement contribution plans.
  • Potential for sales or performance-based bonuses.
Full Job Description
Your role:

The Vice President, Global Program Head Oncology (GPH) serves as the primary architect and owner of the end-to-end lifecycle for complex internal or partnered global development programs. Tasked with leading high-performing, multidisciplinary Global Program Teams (GPTs), the GPH drives the strategy to maximize positive impact to both patients and asset value. As a key business and scientific ambassador, the GPH will navigate internal/alliance governance and lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure the seamless delivery of program milestones.

You will assume sole and final accountability for the program's strategic integrity, execution, and financial risk profile. As the primary authority responsible for presenting to the Portfolio Governance Committee and Investment Board, the GPH is directly responsible for the asset's trajectory and fiscal health. This includes the mandate to ensure that strategic or investment decisions prioritize both accelerated delivery and uncompromising asset value and quality. The GPH is personally accountable for maximizing the competitive value and ROI of every assigned asset.

Your will:
  • Define a comprehensive program vision and strategy, integrating cross-functional plans across multiple assets and indications to maximize long-term value and growth.
  • Drive external engagement and advocacy efforts by leveraging strong scientific evidence to cultivate long-term relationships with thought leaders, scientific societies, and HTA bodies.
  • Proactively adapt program strategies to shifting internal and external trends, making swift, data-driven adjustments to mitigate risk and seize emerging opportunities.
  • Drive organizational cohesion by taking ownership of the end-to-end alignment of program strategy, eliminating functional silos and regional discrepancies to ensure seamless global execution.
  • Drive organizational alignment by collaborating across functions to turn agreed-upon strategies into decisive action.
  • Serve as the definitive internal authority and primary liaison for assigned programs, taking full ownership of information accuracy and consistency across the organization.
  • Serve as the final authority on program messaging, ensuring consistent and compliant communication across all stakeholder channels.
  • Assume full accountability for program financial health, managing budget execution and investment decisions in alignment with the program contract.
  • Lead with impact by building elite cross-functional teams and modeling the high-impact behaviors required to meet organizational goals.
  • Ability to look across the entire development pipeline, not limiting focus to a single asset.


Who you are

Mandatory qualifications
  • Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline; doctoral level degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) required.
  • An established leader with at least 10 years of drug development experience, including a track record of successfully guiding global program teams toward clinical and commercial milestones.
  • Offers deep subject-matter expertise across several drug development pillars, or a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle-from research and pre-clinical stages through to manufacturing, regulatory approval, and commercialization.
  • Extensive TA relevant knowledge including specific experience developing pharmaceuticals for the US market.
  • Demonstrated and proven success in a position which influences and interacts cross-functionally with other groups or departments in a matrix environment.
  • Familiarity with current trends impacting program development and business case (most favored nations, etc).
  • Proven experience managing joint development teams and alliance partnerships.

Preferred qualifications
  • Strong knowledge in the relevant therapeutic area preferred.
  • Prior equivalent experience preferred as a GPH or cross-functional team leader
  • Global/regional launch experience or marketed product experience highly valued.
  • Large-scale leadership experience in pharmaceutical company(ies) preferred.
  • Extensive experience in late-stage development and with product launches preferred.


ADA REQUIREMENTS
  • Normal and routine office duties
  • Position requires both domestic and international travel


Pay Range for this position: $229,800 - $381,700

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

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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.

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