Pharma Business Unit Lead, Finland & Norway

About this role

Responsibilities

• As Pharma Business Unit Lead, you will have end-to-end responsibility for strategy, launches and commercial performance across Finland and Norway. Reporting to the Managing Director and as a member of the Finland & Norway Leadership Team, you will build and lead a cross-functional Sales & Marketing organization, translate global ambition into strong local execution, and ensure patients gain timely access to innovative therapies.
• Set the direction: define and execute the Pharma Business Unit strategy and financial plans, with full P&L accountability.
• Build the organization: attract, develop and retain a high-performing and diverse Sales & Marketing team, creating an inclusive culture with psychological safety.
• Lead launches: plan and deliver multiple high-impact product launches using the company Launch Framework, ensuring readiness, governance and learning post launch.
• Drive performance: deliver sustainable growth through forecasting, demand planning, clear KPIs and active performance management.
• Enable access: shape value narratives and evidence in partnership with medical, market access and external affairs teams to secure reimbursement and access pathways.
• Work across the system: lead collaboration across marketing, sales, medical, regulatory, finance and external partners.
• Engage externally: build strong relationships with key external stakeholders including payers, KOLs and national decision-makers.
• Steward resources: own the budget, investments and vendor partnerships to deliver impact efficiently.
• What Success Looks Like
• A clear and scalable Pharma Business Unit organization with strong leadership capability in place.
• Successful launch readiness and execution for priority assets across Finland and Norway.
• Strong commercial performance and early uptake of newly launched products.
• Clear progress on reimbursement and patient access pathways in both markets.
• A motivated, inclusive team with a strong performance and learning culture.
• Who You Are
• An experienced pharmaceutical commercial leader with a strong track record in product launches and portfolio leadership.
• A proven people leader with direct line-management experience in complex, cross-functional environments.
• Strong understanding of Nordic healthcare systems, reimbursement processes and regulatory landscapes.
• Commercially astute, with experience across primary and specialty care.
• Strategic, hands-on and comfortable leading through ambiguity and change.
• Skilled communicator who can influence senior internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MSc or similar) is an advantage.
• Fluent in English and Finnish; Norwegian language skills are advantageous.
• Willing to travel approximately 20–30% across Finland and Norway.
• Why Join Us
• A unique opportunity to build and shape a new Pharma Business Unit with real strategic impact.
• High visibility and direct exposure to senior leadership.
• The chance to lead multiple upcoming launches of innovative therapies that can make a meaningful difference for patients.
• A collaborative Nordic culture that values trust, accountability, inclusivity and development.
• A platform to grow your leadership impact across two markets.
• If you are a strategic, hands‑on leader with a passion for launch excellence and building organizations that last, we’d love to hear from you.
• Apply now to lead our new Pharma Business Unit in Finland and Norway, and make a lasting impact.
• Required Skills:
• People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pharmaceutical Market, Pricing Strategies, Product Management, Results-Oriented, Sales Forecasting, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Team Leadership
• 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