[Hiring] Executive Director, National Sales Leader, Ophthalmology @MSD

Role Description

Our US Ophthalmology team is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) through a pipeline of two investigational therapies. We pursue this mission through patient focus, innovation, expanded access to transformative treatments, and collaboration with healthcare systems, governments, and payers.

Reporting to the US Ophthalmology Franchise Lead and serving as a member of the US Ophthalmology Leadership Team, the National Sales Leader will set strategy and operational plans, lead the field sales teams, and partner closely with various stakeholders to deliver sustainable commercial growth and superior customer engagement.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead, recruit, onboard, train, develop, and retain a large and high-performing sales organization in a competitive sales environment.
• Drive insight gathering and stakeholder mapping activities, including appropriate disease state education before product approval.
• Drive product launch readiness and commercial growth, partnering with cross-functional teams to optimize product positioning, omnichannel engagement, and field execution.
• Translate corporate and brand strategies into operational objectives, KPIs, and execution plans; track progress and refine plans to meet targets.
• Establish clear performance standards, set Sales Incentives Plans, conduct regular reviews, coach managers, and provide succession planning and professional development.
• Build an inclusive culture that values collaboration, accountability, patient-centricity, and ethical conduct.
• Serve as a core member of the Ophthalmology Leadership Team to drive integrated strategies and executions.
• Ensure robust operational support for the sales team to optimize execution, including systems, data visibility, ongoing upskilling, AI capabilities, and other tools.
• Engage key stakeholders in the Retina market as the National Sales Leader.
• Partner closely with Field Reimbursement and Account Management teams in line with compliance standards.
• Manage operating expense budgets, ensure compliant activity, and drive disciplined, fact-based decision making across the team.
• Lead a small team of Commercial Operations that optimize training pull through and coordinate field operational activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Life Sciences, or related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Requirements

• Minimum 12 years combined experience in pharmaceutical/biotech sales, sales leadership, and commercial operational roles.
• Strong knowledge of US healthcare dynamics, including access/reimbursement considerations.
• Track record of building and developing high-performing teams.
• At least 5 years leading national or regional sales teams.
• High standards of work ethics.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Deep experience in Ophthalmology, particularly Retina, including proven success in competitive markets and product launches.
• Experience partnering with Field Reimbursement and Account Management teams in complex specialty markets.
• Strong business acumen, leveraging data analytics to identify business opportunities to improve execution.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate closely with key stakeholders.
• Inspirational leader who sets and communicates vision and motivates teams towards common goals.
• Excellent communication skills and executive presence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of benefits including 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.