Director, Portfolio Lead Intercontinental – Vaccines & Infectious Disease (m/f/d)

MSD Switzerland seeks a Director to lead the Intercontinental Vaccines & Infectious Disease franchise, driving strategic alignment, performance, and cross-regional initiatives from Lucerne.

This senior leadership role sits within the Intercontinental Regional Team and acts as the main link between Global Franchises and the region. The position is tasked with steering franchise performance, ensuring strategic coherence across markets, and spearheading one to two major cross-regional projects to optimize the portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary voice and leader for the Vaccines & Infectious Disease franchise across the Intercontinental area.
• Coordinate and guide the regional franchise community and specialized squads to ensure unified action.
• Align strategic priorities and execution plans across various markets and sub-regions, including AP, EEMEA, and LATAM.
• Represent Intercontinental viewpoints in global governance forums and strategic discussions.
• Translate global strategies into clear, actionable priorities for regional teams.
• Track, aggregate, and report on business performance metrics for the entire portfolio.
• Proactively identify potential risks and opportunities to adjust course when necessary.
• Manage launch readiness and ensure excellence in product launches across the region.
• Oversee lifecycle management efforts and drive portfolio optimization strategies.
• Lead specific cross-regional strategic projects, such as commercial business development, partnerships, and capability deployment.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in marketing, sales, access, commercial operations, or management consulting within the pharmaceutical industry.
• A Bachelor’s degree is mandatory.
• Demonstrated success in commercial strategy, execution, launch excellence, or portfolio management, including leading complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience working across multiple markets and diverse healthcare systems.

Nice to have

• An advanced degree such as an MBA or MSc is preferred.
• Deep expertise in Vaccines & Infectious Diseases combined with experience in the Intercontinental region.
• Prior market experience involving P&L and people management is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of Marketing, Market Access, and P&L management, along with knowledge of Intercontinental business dynamics.
• A history of successful high-performance launches and driving tangible business results.
• Excellent collaboration skills across commercial, R&D, manufacturing, medical affairs, and access teams.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all organizational levels, including senior leadership.
• Proven capability to analyze complex data and develop patient- and customer-centric strategies.
• Resilience in overcoming internal obstacles to push initiatives forward.

What the company offers

• Relocation assistance is available for the successful candidate if needed.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate or sick leave.

About the company

MSD Switzerland fosters a culture that values diverse perspectives, skills, and backgrounds. The company encourages colleagues to respectfully challenge each other’s thinking and approach problems collectively to drive innovation and success.

• Embraces talent with varied experiences and backgrounds.
• Encourages respectful challenge and collective problem-solving.