Business Practice Lead

Job Description I. Job Overview Business Practices Lead (BPL) is a strategic leader responsible for embedding ethical business conduct and regulatory adherence across all Human Health International (HHI) within the country. This role ensures that local operations align with global standards, regional frameworks and country-specific laws with two director reports. The BPL acts as a trusted advisor to country leadership, enabling compliant business growth and fostering a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability. II. Key Responsibilities Business Practice Leadership • Expert in Global Standards, systems and processes, and how these are implemented through Vietnam operations. • Demonstrate a sound knowledge of business operations • With the support of the Managing Director and Country Leadership Team and International Legal and Compliance – embed accountability and ownership into the Business Units and day to day operations • Strategic oversight of business practices to proactively identify areas of focus for risk management and areas for standardization and simplification • Capability to engage key stakeholders and leadership to foster a psychologically safe environment where employees feel confident and empowered to speak up, ensuring transparent adherence to company standards is visible to the Managing Director and leadership team. • Communicate at all levels across the organization in a way that resonates with business leaders and end users. Governance & Policy Implementation • Localize and implement global standards, Code of Conduct and Business Practices policies. Proprietary • Serve as the guardian of all local business practices related policies and procedures that include business risk controls. • Ensure alignment with market-specific regulations. Risk Management & Monitoring • Lead the facilitation and support the Enterprise Risk Management process under the direction of the Managing Director. • Support the Managing Director Compliance Certification. • Use tools like EmpowerBI, Veeva event self-audits, and GOVerify to track compliance metrics. • Proactively identify risks and speak up. • Facilitate assurance checks with 3rd party vendors, review observations with IL&C and drive enhancements with leadership team. • Manage business risk control programs for alliance partners, including KPI sampling and documentation reviews. • Act as primary point of contact for Corporate Audit and Assurance Services (MCAAS) function and assist market leadership team with remediation actions. Training & Awareness • Deliver onboarding and annual business process training. • Promote a speak-up culture and ensure non-retaliation policies are upheld. • Tailor training to local teams and measure effectiveness. • Support the cascade of compliance messages through Managing Director and leadership team. Business Partnership & Advisory • Provide real-time guidance on promotional activities, HCP/HCO engagements, sponsorships, and third-party interactions. • Participate in governance forums and review boards. • Support business in navigating complex business practice scenarios. Due Diligence Oversight • Advise on due diligence and business risk assessments for individuals, vendors and distributors. • Train key stakeholders on due diligence processes and systems for individuals and vendors. • An approver for individual due diligence, (if the BPM role is independent from sales/Marketing i.e. not reporting to any Sales/Marketing position). Reporting & Metrics • Facilitate the monthly Country Compliance Committee in conjunction with the Managing Director. • Prepare business risk dashboards and report for regional BPO. • Track and assist Managing Director to drive completion of HH Compliance Goals. Other key responsibilities include: -Driving the culture of ethics and compliance: Reforming and maintaining Compliance Ambassador model and supporting Global Ethics Ambassador program. Enhancing mutual understanding, sharing objectives and good working relationship between BPO team and the business/cross-functions. Promoting Ethics & Compliance culture through organizing Ethics, Compliance & Privacy Day. -Leadership and Team Development: BPL will not only oversee processes but also mentor and develop teams within the organization. By investing in our employees' growth, we build a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, which is vital for adapting to changing market conditions III. Qualification Required: · Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Law, Business, or related field. · Minimum 5–8 years of experience in compliance, business risk management, finance, or regulatory roles in pharma/healthcare. · Strong knowledge of local healthcare laws, APACMed, PhRMA, EFPIA, and anti-bribery regulations. · Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills. · Fluency in English and Vietnamese. Preferred: Experience in a matrixed, multicultural environment. Experience in Audit and or financial controls Familiarity with digital tools and data analytics. Certification in compliance, business risk or ethics (e.g., SCCE, IAPP). Key Working Relationships Internal: Country Leadership Team, Business Unit Directors, IL&C, Medical, Regulatory, Market Access, HR, IT, Finance, Communications, Regional BPO. External: Industry associations (e.g., Pharma Group), co-promotion partners, vendors, government agencies. Experience managing third-party risk in complex distributor/CRO environments Required Skills: Analytical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Business Management, Business Operations, Business Performance Review, Business Risks, Clinical Judgment, Compliance Monitoring, Compliance Program Development, Cultural Awareness, Data Analysis, Due Diligence, Facilitation, Financial Acumen, Legal Regulatory Compliance, Organizational Compliance, Policy Implementation, Professional Integrity, Regulatory Communications, Regulatory Compliance Audits, Regulatory Reporting, Risk Consulting, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership {+ 1 more} Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE 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: 05/31/2026 *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. Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.