Country Manager

Role summary The Country Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the company's pharmaceutical business within the assigned country. The role oversees sales, marketing, regulatory affairs, finance, supply chain, medical affairs, and human resources to achieve business objectives while ensuring compliance with local regulations and company policies. Duties and responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and execute the country business strategy aligned with regional and global objectives. Identify market opportunities and implement growth initiatives. Prepare annual business plans, budgets, and sales forecasts. Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and healthcare developments. Sales and Marketing Lead and manage the sales and marketing teams to achieve revenue and profitability targets. Establish sales objectives, KPIs, and performance metrics. Drive product launches and promotional campaigns. Build strong relationships with healthcare professionals, hospitals, distributors, pharmacies, and key stakeholders. Business Development Identify new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and distribution channels. Evaluate opportunities for product portfolio expansion. Negotiate commercial agreements with distributors, suppliers, and business partners. Regulatory and Compliance Ensure compliance with local pharmaceutical regulations and company policies. Oversee product registrations, licensing, and regulatory submissions. Maintain compliance with Good Distribution Practices (GDP), pharmacovigilance requirements, and applicable healthcare regulations. Ensure adherence to ethical marketing and anti-corruption standards. Financial Management Develop and manage the country budget. Monitor revenue, expenses, profitability, and cash flow. Ensure effective financial controls and reporting. Approve expenditures in accordance with delegated authority. Operations and Supply Chain Oversee demand planning, inventory management, and product availability. Coordinate with manufacturing, logistics, and procurement teams. Ensure uninterrupted product supply while minimizing inventory risks. Leadership and People Management Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing employees. Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management. Foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with employment laws and company HR policies. Stakeholder Management Represent the company before government authorities, regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, industry associations, and business partners. Build and maintain strong relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), distributors, and strategic customers. Act as the company's primary representative within the country. Reporting Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual business performance reports. Present operational, financial, and strategic updates to regional and global leadership. Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary. Job requirements Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is preferred. Minimum of 10–15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Strong understanding of pharmaceutical regulations, market access, and healthcare systems. Experience in sales, marketing, business development, and P&L management. Required Skills Strategic planning and execution Leadership and team management Financial and commercial acumen Negotiation and relationship management Regulatory and compliance knowledge Strong communication and presentation skills Decision-making and problem-solving Change management Project management Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/CRM systems Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Achievement of annual sales and profitability targets Market share growth Product launch success Regulatory compliance record Budget adherence Customer satisfaction Employee engagement and retention Distributor performance Inventory optimization Timely submission of business reports