Job Description
Location: Moorgate, London Hybrid working (minimum 2 days/week in the office)
The Opportunity Join our Oncology Business Unit and take a leading role in shaping the future of our UK oncology business. In a scientifically complex and rapidly evolving field, this position offers the opportunity to lead long‑term strategy, guide a talented team, and translate breakthrough science into meaningful outcomes for patients. You will be accountable for defining and executing the strategy for our oncology portfolio, with line management responsibility for up to five members of the marketing team.
Leadership and Organisational Impact
The Strategic Marketing Lead manages a team of talented professionals and is expected to demonstrate enterprise leadership and to influence beyond their immediate area of accountability. Success in the role requires the ability to:
- Create a clear direction and maintain focus in a fast-moving and ambiguous environment.
- Influence senior UK, regional and global stakeholders through credible analysis, sound judgement and a compelling strategic narrative.
- Constructively challenge established approaches and make timely, evidence-based decisions.
- Orchestrate matrix teams, clarify roles and hold partners accountable for shared outcomes.
- Role‑model inclusive leadership, adaptability and behaviours aligned with company values.
- Balance commercial performance with patient benefit, customer need, compliance and the long-term reputation of the organisation.
Key Accountabilities
- Portfolio & Brand Strategy – Define the long‑term strategy and ambition for assigned brands, informed by deep customer, competitor, and market insights. Set clear portfolio priorities, making evidence-based choices that maximise value across the short and long term. Translate complex data into a compelling strategic narrative that aligns stakeholders and guides decision-making. Ensure global assets and programs are effectively localised to meet the needs of UK customers.
- Commercial Performance & Execution – Lead launch and lifecycle planning from strategy through execution, with clear objectives, milestones, and measures. Monitor key performance indicators and market dynamics, adapting strategy and execution where required to meet forecast ambitions.
- Cross‑Functional & People Leadership – Provide direct line management to the marketing team, focusing on coaching, performance management, and professional development to build a high-performing and inclusive culture. Lead a matrixed, cross‑functional team, providing clear strategic direction to integrate plans across Medical Affairs, Market Access, Field Teams, and other key partners. Act as a senior strategic partner, influencing UK, regional, and global stakeholders through credible analysis and a compelling strategic narrative. Role-model enterprise leadership, constructively challenging established thinking and holding partners accountable for shared business outcomes.
- Financial Planning & Management – Own the annual financial planning and forecasting process for assigned brands, aligning resources with strategic priorities. Partner with Finance and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure accurate reporting and robust governance.
- Customer and Market Insight – Champion a customer- and patient-centred approach, ensuring that decisions reflect a strong understanding of unmet need and the UK healthcare environment. Build and maintain appropriate relationships with external experts and key customers to generate actionable insights and inform oncology strategy and market-shaping opportunities.
Essential Capabilities and Experience
Define the long-term strategy and ambition for assigned brands, informed by deep customer, competitor, and market insights. Set clear portfolio priorities, making evidence-based choices that maximise value across the short and long term. Translate complex data into a compelling strategic narrative that aligns stakeholders and guides decision-making. Ensure global assets and programs are effectively localised to meet the needs of UK customers.
Required Skills
- Cross-Functional Work
- Influence
- Line Management
- Marketing Strategy Implementation
- Oncology Marketing
- Strategic Thinking
- Teamwork
Employee Status
Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date
Job Posting End Date: 10/28/2026
About the Company
Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.
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Strategic Marketing Lead (Associate Director) Oncology employer: MSD Malaysia
Merck & Co., Inc. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Rahway, NJ, where innovation meets a commitment to animal health and well-being. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises collaboration, professional growth, and a strong sense of purpose, all while working with cutting-edge systems like SAP to enhance operational efficiency. With opportunities for continuous improvement and a focus on ethical integrity, Merck fosters a rewarding atmosphere for those looking to make a meaningful impact in global healthcare.
