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

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. Grounded in scientific rigor and flawless execution, we aim to bring breakthrough therapies to the patients who need them most.

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 Marketing, Market Access, Account Management, Field Reimbursement, Sales Operations, Learning Development, Training, and other 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, including district sales managers and customer team representatives.
• 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 that can optimize sales execution.
• Engage key stakeholders in 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 across sales, field access, and account management.

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; strengths in strategic agility, business acumen, decision quality, driving results, managerial courage, and building effective teams.
• At least 5 years leading national or regional sales teams.
• High standards of work ethics.

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.