Associate Director - Sales Incentive Plan (SIP) Strategy & Execution Lead

Job Description
Associate Director - Sales Incentive Plan (SIP) Strategy & Execution Lead
Reporting to the Director of Strategy & Field Enablement (STREAM), the Sales Incentive Plan (SIP) Strategy & Execution Lead will lead a team responsible for the US Market field incentive compensation process, from plan design, execution and objective setting, through administration and payout. While the role is designed with a hybrid framework, well-qualified candidates seeking a remote work arrangement are also highly encouraged to apply and will be fully considered.
This individual will work as a member of a cross-functional team in support of the specific goals of our Human Health sales organization. The primary focus of this role is to provide strategic, operational and consultative support, while ensuring that the Sales Incentive Plan (SIP) program is executed within agreed upon timelines and budgets. As part of their role, this individual will be responsible for managing the deliverables of our strategic vendor partner.
Success in this role will require outstanding project/program management skills and an effective partnership across multiple functions, including the Sales Incentive Plan, Strategy, Finance, Compliance, Legal, peer US Operations functions (e.g., Digital Human Health) and Sales Leadership. Strong communication and vendor management skills are critical.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Developing effective, compliant sales incentive plan designs that are aligned with sales/brand strategic priorities, company compensation principles, financial controls, and compliance standards
Leading sales incentive plan execution, including objective setting, plan implementation, administration, payout, corrective actions, and financial accruals
Ensuring that sales incentive plan designs are implemented and executed on time, with prompt and accurate payouts
Overseeing the sales incentive plan governance process, including close partnerships with legal and compliance partners, ensuring that all aspects of the plan are aligned with policies and guidelines
Anticipating future sales incentive needs, in support of critical events (e.g., launches, shifts in strategic prioritization, field expansions/restructures) and planning accordingly for them
Partnering with the Incentive Comp Data, Innovation, and Sales Crediting team, and managing a team of Senior Specialists and the vendor relationship to ensure that all aspects of the plan are executed as expected
Required Experience and Skills:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred
Minimum 5 years of demonstrated leadership in pharmaceutical incentive compensation
Outstanding program/project management skills, especially across a broad, complex portfolio of brands, segments, field teams and stakeholders
Proven ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with senior sales/brand leaders and key stakeholders
Experience leading a team(s) and managing strategic vendor partnerships
Demonstrated ability to collaborate, plan and execute
Deep understanding of sales incentive mechanics
Excellent strategic thinking, business acumen and problem-solving skills
Required Skills:
Adaptability, Brand Management, Business Acumen, Business Decisions, Communication, Customer Relationship Building, Financial Analysis, Incentive Compensation, Leadership, Results Oriented, Sales, Sales Strategy Development, Strategi Planning, Strategic Support, Strategic Thinking, Teamwork
Required Skills:
Business Decisions, Financial Acumen, Financial Analysis, Incentive Compensation, Partnership Management, People Leadership, Product Management, Sales Initiatives, Strategic Objectives, Strategic Thinking
Preferred Skills:
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The primary location for this posting is:
USA - Pennsylvania - North Wales (Upper Gwynedd)
Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.
The salary range for the primary location of this role is:
$142,400.00 - $224,100.00
This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.
Additional location(s) Compensation Information:
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
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