Dir , Patient Strategy & Innovation lead
Merck
August 25, 2026
Remote friendly (North Wales, PA)
United States
Patient Advocacy
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic development and execution of patient engagement programs, aligned with broader Digital Human Health and Human Health objectives.
- Identify, cultivate, and manage innovative external partnerships to enhance patient support offerings and accelerate digital patient capabilities.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the DHH Patient Capabilities team, US Patient CoE (CEI), and US marketing brand teams to integrate and deploy patient initiatives.
- Oversee end-to-end program management of key patient experience projects (on time, within budget, and against success metrics).
- Champion patient-centric innovation by gathering best practices and driving evolution of patient strategy and the digital, data, and analytics capabilities to enable it.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in patient support/engagement, digital health strategy, program management, or commercial operations (pharma/biotech/healthcare).
- 5+ years managing complex cross-functional programs/teams in a highly matrixed environment.
- Track record developing and executing strategic patient engagement or marketing initiatives.
- Strong understanding of the US healthcare ecosystem (patient support programs, access, reimbursement).
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management; ability to influence without direct authority.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPH).
- Experience with/partnering with a commercial patient support Center of Excellence (CoE).
- Experience evaluating, negotiating, and managing digital health partnerships/vendor relationships.
- Familiarity with agile methodologies and digital product development lifecycles.
Required/Preferred Skills (from posting): Business Analysis, Clinical Outcomes, Commercial Operations Management, Data Science, Demand Management, Engagement Strategies, Innovation, Leadership Management, Liaison Work, Matrix Management, Multidisciplinary Teamwork, Organizational Leadership, Patient Care/Engagement/Management/Monitoring/Observation/Support, Policy Compliance, Requirements Management, Schedule Adherence, Situational Leadership, Sourcing and Procurement.
- Lead the strategic development and execution of patient engagement programs, aligned with broader Digital Human Health and Human Health objectives.
- Identify, cultivate, and manage innovative external partnerships to enhance patient support offerings and accelerate digital patient capabilities.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the DHH Patient Capabilities team, US Patient CoE (CEI), and US marketing brand teams to integrate and deploy patient initiatives.
- Oversee end-to-end program management of key patient experience projects (on time, within budget, and against success metrics).
- Champion patient-centric innovation by gathering best practices and driving evolution of patient strategy and the digital, data, and analytics capabilities to enable it.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in patient support/engagement, digital health strategy, program management, or commercial operations (pharma/biotech/healthcare).
- 5+ years managing complex cross-functional programs/teams in a highly matrixed environment.
- Track record developing and executing strategic patient engagement or marketing initiatives.
- Strong understanding of the US healthcare ecosystem (patient support programs, access, reimbursement).
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management; ability to influence without direct authority.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPH).
- Experience with/partnering with a commercial patient support Center of Excellence (CoE).
- Experience evaluating, negotiating, and managing digital health partnerships/vendor relationships.
- Familiarity with agile methodologies and digital product development lifecycles.
Required/Preferred Skills (from posting): Business Analysis, Clinical Outcomes, Commercial Operations Management, Data Science, Demand Management, Engagement Strategies, Innovation, Leadership Management, Liaison Work, Matrix Management, Multidisciplinary Teamwork, Organizational Leadership, Patient Care/Engagement/Management/Monitoring/Observation/Support, Policy Compliance, Requirements Management, Schedule Adherence, Situational Leadership, Sourcing and Procurement.