Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting

This role develops strategic forecasts for a set of products and indications, interprets implications, generates insights, and communicates them to the business to inform marketing strategy. The position works closely with Digital Human Health functions — Market Research, Data Science, and Payer Analytics — and collaborates across Global and Regional Marketing, Market Access, and Finance. The individual acts as a core point of contact for product and indication forecasts, leads cross‑functional forecasting projects, and partners with a matrixed team including US‑ and India‑based colleagues. Travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Determine appropriate forecast modeling approaches, tools, and techniques for assigned asset(s) and/or indication(s) in partnership with the Strategic Forecasting Insights Director.
• Partner with Marketing Engagement, Market Research, Data Science, Payer Analytics, and other DHH functions to develop insight strategies and plans that feed strategic forecasting.
• Develop and deliver forecasts and forecasting insights for enterprise forecasting cycles, working across a matrixed team including US and India‑based colleagues.
• Support ongoing understanding of actual performance against forecast and identify key drivers.
• Engage with Marketing, Market Access, and Finance to align on inputs, outputs, and overall forecasting insights for each cycle.
• Apply a range of forecasting capabilities to address business strategy and decision‑making.
• Collaborate across a highly matrixed organization, ensuring a “One Team” operating model.
• Drive frequent, clear communication around the forecasting process, inputs, insights, and related topics to keep business and DHH stakeholders aligned.
• Enable interconnected problem‑solving with DHH functional colleagues and business partners around targeted business questions.
• Serve as a thought leader and strategic partner, building trust‑based relationships with business stakeholders.
• Understand business priorities and develop strategic forecasting solutions that support objectives in collaboration with commercial insight teams.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
• Minimum 5+ years delivering complex analytical projects in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry using market research and/or large patient or physician databases.
• Experience developing forecast models and related analytics (scenario analysis, business case development, etc.).
• Experience working in highly cross‑functional, matrixed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and lead with empathy and compassion.
• Experience leading diverse groups and positively managing ambiguity.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, able to work independently and collaborate seamlessly; lead without authority.
• Ability to understand business processes and break down business questions into specific, tangible hypotheses and requirements to guide analysis.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with an appreciation for data‑oriented analytical methods.
• Ability to operate in an unstructured environment with strong organizational skills to create structure and clarity.
• Ability to prioritize work efficiently and effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Therapeutic area experience in oncology, vaccines, or pharma/rare disease.
• Advanced forecasting experience: developing patient‑based, trend‑based, and other model types; advanced scenarios and simulations; deep understanding of modeling nuances for the relevant therapeutic area.
• Consultative business partner experience (internal or external consulting).
• Prior experience in functions closely partnered with: Marketing, Market Access, Finance, Market Research, Data Science, or Payer Analytics.

Skills

• Required: Analytical Thinking, Business Analysis, Business Decisions, Data Analysis, Digital Healthcare, Forecasting Models, Forecast Pro, Growth Mindset, Healthcare Databases, Leadership, Managing Ambiguity, Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Numerical Analysis, Oncology, Organizational Effectiveness, Scenario Analysis, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning.
• Preferred: (No additional preferred skills listed beyond the preferred qualifications above.)

Pay

Base salary range for the primary location (Rahway, NJ): $156,900 – $247,000 per year. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. Salary ranges for additional locations may differ; the Talent Acquisition team will provide details for other locations.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee and family), retirement benefits with 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More details at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Location & Work Arrangement

Primary locations: Upper Gwynedd, PA and Rahway, NJ. Hybrid work arrangement. Travel requirements are flexible. Valid driving license required.

Additional Information

Requisition ID: R425456. Job posting end date: 11/17/2026 (effective until 11:59:59 PM on 11/16/2026). Employee status: Regular. Relocation and visa sponsorship details not specified.