at Merck in Springfield, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Description
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to “the science of healthier animals” and improving the well-being of animals by providing innovative solutions, products, and services. We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary veterinarian who is passionate about animal welfare to work closely with our commercial team to support shelters, non-profit community practices, and large rescue groups.
This position requires a veterinarian who is technically proficient, has a high level of business acumen, and who has experience partnering with shelters, non-profits, and large rescue groups. The Animal Welfare Professional Services Veterinarian, Strategic Accounts will report to the Director, Strategic Account Veterinarian. This position supports the clinical and technical needs of the Pet Acquisition Account team through interactions with animal shelter directors and staff, independent rescue groups, and animal welfare groups. By building relationships they will garner access to discuss new products, educate on our medical and technological differentiators, and serve as a problem-solving partner. The selected candidate should live close to a US airport and available for 75% travel. Travel responsibilities will be prioritized by project value and primarily domestic.
In addition to providing education and consultation in individual accounts and at national forums, the Shelter Account Veterinarian will take part in development of account strategy and training of the Pet Acquisition Account sales team.
Key responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
+ Build strong relationships with shelter, non-profit, and large rescue group decision-makers to position our company’s Animal Health as the preferred partner for animal health products and services.
+ Serve as a business and medical resource for these accounts, providing insights and expertise in areas such as parasiticide, vaccine, technology, dermatology, pain, and therapeutic categories. Stay updated on industry trends and advancements to effectively advise and support these accounts.
+ Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to develop and implement strategies that align with this group of customers’ unique needs and drive business growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive solutions to shelters, non-profits, and large rescue groups.
+ Conduct presentations and trainings for these accounts and the Pet Acquisition Account sales team on our company’s Animal Health products, services, and industry trends. Effectively communicate the value and differentiators of our offerings.
+ Collaborate across our Strategic Accounts Team as a business and medical resource, providing insights and expertise in all areas of our Companion Animal portfolio. Stay updated on industry trends and advancements to effectively advise and support all strategic accounts.
+ Represent our company’s Animal Health in scientific and industry forums, establishing the company as a medical thought leader in shelter, non-profit and rescue groups.
+ Collect and analyze market intelligence to identify customer needs, competitive trends, and opportunities within the shelter, non-profit, and animal welfare account sector. Share insights with internal teams to drive product development and marketing strategies.
+ Provide continuing medical and professional mentoring to the cross functional team, translating how medical differentiation drives profitability.
+ Develop and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders, academia, and industry experts to foster collaboration and stay informed of emerging trends and advancements in veterinary medicine.
+ Partner with industry associations and organizations to lead industry-wide research in support of scientific and other animal health related topics.
+ Develop and execute strategic account plans to maximize business opportunities and drive revenue growth within assigned accounts. This includes identifying account needs, providing technical support, and presenting our company’s Animal Health products and services as solutions to this unique part of the animal health community.
+ Manage our company’s partnership with the Street Dog Coalition, a not-for-profit organization that provides free medical care and related services to pets of people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Animal Health Commercial Competencies
Leadership Behaviors
+ Demonstrate Ethics & Integrity
+ Drive Results
+ Focus on Customers & Patients
+ Make Rapid Disciplined Decisions
+ Act with Courage & Candor
+ Build Talent
+ Foster Collaboration
Professional Competencies
+ Business & Financial Acumen
+ Working Across Boundaries
+ Strategic Thinking
+ Project Management
+ Productive Communication
+ Problem Solving
Core Commercial Functional Competencies
+ Customer and Market Insights
+ Strategic Business Management
+ Product Knowledge & Portfolio Management
+ Account Management
+ Customer Engagement
+ Market Access
+ Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge
+ Lifecycle Management
Minimum Qualifications:
Background & Education:
+ Must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent
Required Skills/Abilities:
+ 5 years relevant work experience which includes any of the following (Private practice; companion animal, Technical Services/ Professional Services, Specialty Practice; and/or other industry/ research)
+ High technical proficiency with a focus in shelter and rescue medicine
+ Strong presentation and facilitation skills
+ Background in training or adult education
+ Proven track record of leadership and strategic decision-making in a comparable role within the animal health industry
+ Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
+ Ability to foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including key opinion leaders, regulatory agencies, and industry associations
+ Demonstrated ability to draw appropriate and scientifically balanced conclusions from reports/data, and analyses to support product recommendations
+ Must be able to plan and coordinate strategic project activities, collaborating with other stakeholders to maximize team’s results
+ Demonstrated deep understanding of customers’ or stakeholders’ needs, requirements, and expectations to continuously seek new ways to improve the delivery of products and services
Preferred Experience:
+ Experience in shelter, non-for profit, or large rescue groups
+ Leadership roles in organized veterinary medicine
+ Experience with companion animal vaccines and parasiticides; industry experience and/or research
\#EBRG
NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
In accordance with Managers’ Policy – Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.
If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.
**Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated agains