OverviewThe Associate Director - Learning and Development/Field Force Effectiveness (m/f/d) supports and facilitates learning and development activities within the cluster and influences the design and execution of the learning plans to achieve business results. The role supports our Sales teams, Business Unit directors and their direct reports in the execution of the L&D strategy through consulting and delivery on appropriate learning solutions. With a special focus on field force effectiveness, they will closely collaborate with the cluster GM, BU leads and sales managers to ensure a continuous cycle of learning, coaching, and improving our sales force capabilities and performance.They engage with key stakeholders to ensure learning solutions continue to support and positively drive desired outcomes. The role holder is expected to spend a considerable amount of time in the field working directly with sales managers and sales representatives.Success in this role depends on the candidate’s ability to collaborate well with Business Unit Leads, subject matter experts, Veterinary Technical Service (TSV) members and other Learning Partners and Learning Consultants in the EURAM region. The position holder will be expected to work cross-functionally to act as a partner and point of contact for the business’ performance needs and communicate them to support design and delivery of learning solutions.ResponsibilitiesEffectively establish, deepen and sustain key relationships with Business Unit Leads and mid-level managers to understand their business needs and related performance gaps, provide oversight and analysis when defining requirements, and demonstrate an understanding of processes and methodology in order to provide appropriate learning solutionsBe responsible for the implementation of the annual L&D Curriculum in alignment with the local business and Global L&D functionTrain Sales Managers to be best in class sales coaches through select learning solutionsMonitor and report performance of sales managers coaching and selling skills in action and provide additional support where neededLead collaborative efforts with stakeholders to define desired performance outcomes; provide feedback and coaching on issues related to learning programs and policiesIdentify performance needs and gaps and facilitate delivery of learning solutions to the business, when appropriateMonitor, analyze, interpret, and report internal trends; make recommendations for learning solutions for the business, as appropriateRemain current on learning and development related tools, techniques, strategies and practices to provide relevant, informed consultative advice to clients; share leading learning practices with teams and stakeholdersEnsure successful learning outcomes by directing the identification and translation of the client’s learning needs into a defined learning strategy and implemented solutionsAct as a liaison between the Learning Support Services function and stakeholders to ensure alignment with learning needs; ensure learning solutions meet client requirements; identify alternative non-training solutions when appropriateDeliver training and/or support to TSV members as neededUnderstand feedback provided by Learning Support Services (LSS) on the overall success of the learning solutions; interpret and discuss feedback with stakeholders, and monitor impact and cost-effectiveness of learning solutions; suggest improvements to further enhance learning program effectiveness and sustainabilityReport timely feedback on learning effectiveness to the business through pre-determined KPIs and communicate suggestions for improvementDocument needs for customization or localization of learning programsReview interim/unplanned learning activities and requests; make appropriate recommendationsField Force Effectiveness & Business AnalyticsAlign with local key stakeholders (Com Ops, IT, MDM, L&D, etc.) on Data & Analytics strategy towards standardizing KPI management and reportingSupport managers and business leads with training and coaching on the usage of analytical tools to optimize data usage for their teams and customersSupport managers and business leads with training and coaching on the usage of resource allocation to maximize performance of field teamsCollaborate with local Analytics/CRM teams to improve CRM (MaXX) capabilities and force operating guidelinesCollaborate with GMs & BUDs and sales Managers on execution of sales effectiveness solutionsManage execution and maintenance of the field coaching platform within the CRM (MaXX) and support individuals to achieve greater resultsCompetenciesLeadership: Demonstrated ability to gain cooperation and support, lead by example and foster collaborative relationshipsInfluencing: Ability to partner, collaborate, and impact decisions within and outside the organizationRequirementsMinimum 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or similarExperience as a sales representative, sales manager and training managerFluency in spoken and written German and EnglishWillingness to travelOur Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet. Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets. Our Territory Representatives interact face to face with our customers, understand their needs and consult to offer the right solutions. We work collaboratively in Field Sales Teams and play a critical role in supporting our customer centric business model.We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.People with severe disabilities and their equivalents will be given preference if they are equally qualified.Required SkillsAdaptability, Adaptability, Business Administration, Business Case Development, Business Data Analytics, Business Management, Business Relationship Building, Business Studies, Change Management, Coaching, Data Analysis Tools, Leadership, Learning Strategies, Management Process, Operations Management, Organizational Alignment, Pharmaceutical Industry, Process Improvements, Project Management, Results-Oriented, Sales Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, Strategic ThinkingPreferred SkillsCurrent Employees apply HERECurrent Contingent Workers apply HERESearch Firm Representatives Please Read CarefullyMerck & 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 StatusRegularRelocationNo relocationVISA SponsorshipNoTravel Requirements25%Flexible Work ArrangementsHybridShiftNot IndicatedValid Driving LicenseYesHazardous Material(s)N/AJob Posting End Date03/10/2026Requisition IDR375803 #J-18808-Ljbffr