Job Description

Virology Brand and Customer Manager, Gulf

Location: Dubai
 

Role Overview

The Virology Brand Manager will lead multiple brands within the virology portfolio across the Gulf, focusing on HIV and CMV. The role is accountable for driving strategy and execution for our established HIV and CMV brands, as well as leading pre‑launch readiness for our upcoming HIV pipeline.

This position combines end‑to‑end brand ownership, strong customer and KOL management, and cross‑functional collaboration to maximize brand performance and support better patient outcomes in the region.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of brand strategies for the HIV and CMV portfolio across the Gulf
• Develop annual and mid‑term brand plans, including positioning, messaging, and tactical plans.
• Analyze market dynamics, competitive activity, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and risks.

Pre‑Launch Readiness – HIV Pipeline

• Own pre‑launch planning and readiness for new HIV pipeline assets.
• Define launch strategy, target segments, and key value messages in alignment with medical, market access, and sales.
• Drive execution of pre‑launch milestones (stakeholder mapping, education, data dissemination, internal training, etc.).

Marketing Execution

• Develop and adapt promotional materials and campaigns in line with global/regional strategy and local regulations.
• Plan and execute brand activities such as congress participation, symposia, advisory boards, and educational initiatives.
• Track brand and campaign KPIs, monitor performance, and recommend corrective actions where needed.

KOL & Customer Management

• Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and key customers in HIV and CMV.
• Partner with the sales team to ensure aligned messaging and high‑impact customer engagement across the Gulf.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Governance

• Work closely with medical, market access, regulatory, sales, and other functions to ensure integrated brand execution.
• Collaborate with regional/global brand teams to align strategies while reflecting local market needs.
• Ensure all activities comply with company policies, local regulations, and industry codes of conduct.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Business, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Proven experience in marketing and/or brand management; experience in infectious diseases, virology, or specialty care is an advantage.
•  Gulf Market experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in KOL engagement and customer‑facing activities.
• Experience with product launches or pre‑launch activities is desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to translate insights into clear brand plans.
• Excellent relationship‑building and stakeholder management abilities, including with senior clinicians/KOLs.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proactive, results‑driven, and able to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• High level of integrity and strong compliance mindset.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

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