Country Head South Africa at Merck Group

Your role:
As a business leader for our South Africa pharmaceutical business you will actively develop the biopharma business in the country. And as a member of the English & Portuguese Africa leadership team you will be accountable for the country's results, long term strategy, culture and employee engagement. You will directly manage the sales team, key account managers and administrators.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing leadership towards the region's common goal and towards all local dotted line reports including support functions
• Working in close collaboration with all functions with specific focus on the head of marketing, chief of staff, medical director, controlling and supply chain to ensure optimal operations in the country
• Leading the country long-range plans, strategy and policy
• Identifying relevant economic, political and health care authorities and builds strong relationships with decision makers and key influencers
• Be accountable for setting up agreements with distributors and wholesalers and ensuring their execution (from initiation to payment)
• People and organizational development
• Improving operations
• Ensuring that all activities comply with all (local) laws and regulations and internal guidelines / SOPs

Who you are:

• 10+ years’ experience in a commercial leadership role
• Proven track record of business turnaround and ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Strong sales experience (either in-field or as manager, sales or KAM)
• Experience in South Africa is a must, international experience is an advantage 
• Track record of strong partnership with authorities and other external stakeholders
• High sense of purpose and ability to work across cultures
• Proven business acumen and experience in the industry