Business Unit Director - Companion Animal

Job Description

Job Title

Business Unit Director - Companion Animal (Animal Health)

Reports To

General Manager – Animal Health

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Companion Animal Business Unit Director is accountable for end‑to‑end commercial leadership of the Companion Animal (CA) business, including strategy development, sales execution, marketing excellence, financial performance, and people leadership.

This role drives sustainable growth, market leadership, and customer engagement across the companion animal portfolio (e.g., pets such as dogs and cats), ensuring alignment with regional and global Animal Health strategies.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

1. Business & Strategic Leadership

- Own and deliver the Companion Animal business strategy, including short‑ and long‑term growth plans aligned with Animal Health enterprise priorities.

- Lead annual priorities and execution plans, forecasting, and resource allocation to achieve revenue, market share, and profitability targets.

- Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and portfolio optimization strategies.

- Ensure strong cross‑functional alignment with Regulatory, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR partners.

2. Sales Leadership & Execution

- Lead and develop the Companion Animal sales organization, including regional managers, key account managers, and field teams (structure may vary by market).

- Drive excellence in sales force effectiveness, territory optimization, KPI management, and performance coaching.

- Establish strong relationships with key customers (veterinary chains, strategic accounts,etc).

- Ensure disciplined execution of pricing, promotions, and trade strategies.

3. Marketing & Portfolio Management

- Oversee brand strategy, lifecycle management, and launch excellence for Companion Animal products.

- Ensure high‑quality execution of omnichannel marketing, digital engagement, and customer education initiatives.

- Partner closely with Technical Services and Veterinary teams to ensure scientific credibility and compliant messaging.

- Translate global brand strategies into effective local market plans.

4. Financial & P&L Accountability

- Full P&L ownership for the Companion Animal business.

- Manage budgets, investment prioritization, and cost controls to maximize ROI.

- Monitor financial performance, identify risks/opportunities, and implement corrective actions as required.

5. People Leadership & Capability Building

- Build a high‑performing, engaged, and compliant team through clear priority‑setting, coaching, and talent development.

- Lead succession planning and capability building aligned with Animal Health talent frameworks.

- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ethical conduct in line with company values.

6. Compliance & Governance

- Ensure all activities comply with local regulations, industry codes, and internal policies, including promotional and pharmacovigilance requirements.

- Act as a role model for integrity, quality, and responsible business conduct.

WHAT YOU MUST HAVE

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, Life Sciences, Business, Marketing, or related field.

Experience

- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive commercial experience within Animal Health, Pharmaceuticals, or related industries.

- Proven leadership experience managing sales and/or marketing teams.

- Demonstrated P&L management and strategic planning experience.

- Companion Animal or veterinary market experience strongly preferred.

Key Competencies

- Strategic thinking & business acumen

- Strong people leadership and coaching skills

- Commercial execution excellence

- Cross‑functional collaboration

- Customer‑centric mindset

- Data‑driven decision making

- High ethical and compliance standards

Required Skills:

Business Compliance, Business Compliance, Clinical Documentation, Communication Strategy Development, Corrective Action Management, Customer Engagement, Data Analysis, Digital Marketing, Emergency Care, Financial Performance, Forecasting, Life Science, Market Research, Market Trends, Nursing, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pharmaceutical Market, Portfolio Management, Pricing Strategies, Product Management, Results- Oriented, ROI Maximization, Sales Force Effectiveness, Sales Forecasting {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

06/30/2026

***A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. **