Associate Director Sales, Oncology

Job Description

Welcome to our team

Driven by science, we work to save and improve lives. In the Netherlands, our colleagues bring this purpose to life through an open, inclusive and collaborative culture where ideas are shared, ownership is encouraged, and patients and customers remain central. Our Haarlem office connects commercial, medical, market access and enabling teams in a flexible environment with approachable leaders and opportunities to grow. Oncology is central to our ambitions. As a global oncology leader, we pursue breakthrough science and collaborate across healthcare to transform cancer care. From Haarlem, our team turns innovation into meaningful impact for patients across the Netherlands each day.

Your role

As Sales Manager for Oncology, you will inspire, support, coach and lead group of colleagues interacting face to face with our customers. You ensure Excellence in Planning & Execution. You strive to understand the customers’ needs and coordinates omnichannel efforts across defined geo area to support and grow our customer centric business model. The role combines frequent field days across the Netherlands with head office days in Haarlem.

Key Accountabilities 

• Build a high-performing, accountable, and psychologically safe team through inspiring, emotionally intelligent leadership.

• Coach the team in selling, digital engagement, data analysis and patient journeys, providing training where needed.

• Set clear goals and KPIs, optimize targeting and channel mix, and ensure excellent execution of marketing strategies and congress plans.

• Drive high-quality account planning and execution through regular territory reviews and impactful customer engagement.

• Connect the field force with cross-functional teams, represent customer and sales insights, and improve strategies, messages and materials.

• Regularly visit customers and attend medical education events and congresses, role-modelling excellent engagement.

• Manage performance, incentives and budgets while ensuring compliance and best practice standards.

Your profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent.

• 5+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience across sales, marketing and people leadership; Oncology experience preferred.

• Proven sales management and customer-facing experience, with a strong record of achieving targets.

• Business proficiency in Dutch and English.

• Strong leadership, emotional intelligence, and communication skills that inspire and align teams.

• Ability to coach, influence, and collaborate effectively in a multicultural matrix organization.

• Expertise in building sustainable customer relationships and translating insights into impactful solutions.

• Strong knowledge of the Dutch commercial environment, field-force practices and performance analytics.

What we offer

• A competitive salary based on your knowledge and experience.

• A 3% year-end allowance and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

• At least 35.5 days of annual leave.

• Travel allowance and a solid pension plan.

• Sales incentive Plan.

• A high-quality staff restaurant offering fresh, healthy options every day.

• An on-site gym and sports field.

• Mental wellbeing support through Lyra Health for you and your family members.

• Access to a dedicated prayer and meditation room.

• Extensive opportunities for career growth.

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Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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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