Executive Director, General Manager Animal Health Nordics

Job Description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Animal Health?

At our company's Animal Health division, we are at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry – driven by innovation, digitization, and 24/7 customer engagement. We are seeking a visionary General Manager to lead our Animal Health business in the Nordic cluster and define the strategy that transforms animal health for generations to come.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the companion animals, livestock and technology solutions markets while partnering across a global matrix to deliver sustainable growth and customer value. As an Executive Director, General Manager Animal Health Nordics, you will inspire a high-performing Nordic team, champion cultural diversity, and lead with purpose in one of the most dynamic regions in Europe to deliver on our mission: The Science of Healthier Animals.

In this pivotal role, you will own the strategy and execution that drive sustainable growth, market share gains, and customer value across Companion Animals, Livestock and Technology Solutions segments in the Nordic countries.

Your Impact

• Lead and inspire a diverse, inclusive team across four countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland); foster a one-team, customer-centric culture.
• Set and execute strategy to achieve sales, market share, and profitability targets.
• Build trusted relationships with veterinarians, producers, distributors, key accounts, authorities, and industry bodies.
• Identify and scale growth opportunities, including digital, data-driven, and partnership-led solutions; evaluate business development opportunities.
• Ensure operational excellence in forecasting, budgeting, and performance management; drive cost and process efficiencies.
• Navigate complex political, economic, regulatory, and competitive dynamics to manage risk.
• Champion People & Culture, talent development, succession planning, and D&I initiatives.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the organization, encouraging teams to think creatively and explore new ideas that align with the strategic goals.
• Uphold the highest standards of compliance, ethics, and governance aligned with Nordic regulations.
• Collaborate effectively across global functions: Species, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal/Regulatory, and HR.

What You Bring

• Proven success leading multi-country commercial organizations with outstanding business results.
• Deep knowledge of the animal health industry and Nordic market dynamics (preferably within Companion Animals, Livestock and Technology Solutions).
• Strategic thinker with strong execution, financial acumen, and data-driven decision-making.
• Inclusive leader who builds culture, develops talent, and leads change with integrity and courage.
• The ability to influence and manage in a matrix organization
• Cultural sensitivity, and ability to work effectively at all organizational levels
• Emotional Intelligence; champions an inclusive and psychologically safe culture that focuses on collaboration.
• Excellent relationship skills with customers, authorities, and partners; adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong communication and influencing skills across all organizational levels and cultures.
• Quick learner with a receptive mindset towards feedback
• Language: Fluent English; proficiency in at least one Nordic language preferred.
• Education: Degree in Health/Veterinary Sciences or related field preferred; advanced business education (e.g., MBA) is an advantage.
• Travel: Approximately 40–50% across the cluster.

Why Join Us

• Lead a strategic cluster with significant impact on regional growth.
• Work with a talented, passionate team committed to innovation, prevention, sustainability, and One Health.
• Access a global platform of capabilities, development opportunities, and a values-led culture.
• Location: any Nordic country| Hybrid working model. Animal Health Nordic Headquarter is in Copenhagen.
• Cluster scope: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland.

Required Skills:

Business Development, Business Performance Reporting, Decision Making, Financial Acumen, Job Descriptions, Leadership, Leadership Training and Development, Management Process, Manufacturing Processes, Market Development, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Industry, Product Management, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Results-Oriented, Sales Operations, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Team Management, Veterinary Consulting, Veterinary Medicine

Preferred Skills:

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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:

12/15/2025

• 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.

Requisition ID:R374153