State Access Associate, KZN at AstraZeneca

What you will do:

• Successful implementation of sales strategy for all molecules on tender, to meet agreed sales targets, within individual territory while complying with AstraZeneca values and applying control measures on operational cost. We are looking for a State Access Associate that will rise to the challenges, exceed expectations, and contribute towards elevating the team’s contribution to the next level.

Typical Accountabilities will include

• Successfully complete all training requirements, including product examinations. 
• Engage healthcare professionals in dialogue about approved indications and product efficacy/safety profiles to support on-label prescribing for appropriate patients. 
• Work with Sales Manager to develop a local strategy and business plan to meet or exceed sales and call execution goals in territory. 
• Drive sales performance and ensure sales forecasts and assigned budgets meet or exceed therapeutic and territory expectations.
• Drive access in the public sector for both contracted products and seek buy-out opportunities.
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of market, demographic, and managed markets information relative to assigned sales territory. 
• Comply with all regulations regarding interactions with healthcare professionals, distribution of samples, etc.

Sales Achievement/Impact

• Effectively implement sales strategy and tactics, plan of action (POA) in accordance with company policies.
• Conduct analysis of market/ competitors to identify territory business opportunities.
• Incumbent must effectively and optimally, manage your sales territory and to maximize the number of calls on target customers.
• Initiate and implement value-added programmes in the territory and the province through developing and implementing a quarterly territory planner and analysing all the local data e.g. Sales data from provincial pharmaceutical depots, and call report system data, on receipt of that individual data.
• Maintain an up-to-date customer data base.
• Develop territory Business Plan based on POA and allocate resources (e.g. call activities, budget).
• Monitor territory business plan to ensure resources are directed to customer of greatest potential.
• Participate in promotional activity programmes to increase product awareness in the market. 
• Update territory customer segmentation classification, database and call records continuously.
• Deliver key promotional messages within approved detail aids and in line with POA.
• Build trust and credibility with customers by demonstrating professionalism acting within the business code of ethics.
• At state sector may be required to call on Academic State Institutions for certain product lines like Oncology, Diabetes, Respiratory, respiratory to detail Head of departs on the products that are on tender and to lobby for buy-out business.
• Submit monthly reports commenting on deviations from Business Plan and intended actions to align performance with objectives.
• Ensure punctual delivery of reports / daily synchronisation.
• Maintain highest ethical standards and work in a spirit of AstraZeneca Code of Conduct, following rules & norms set by corporate policies.
• Ensure that all conducted activities are done in accordance with local legislation and corporate standards.
• Timely report (as per respective procedures): health/environment/well-being related accidents; adverse events that you became aware about; change in status of your Conflict of Interest.
• Regularly monitor territory’s sales performance versus budget.
• Facilitate enlistment of newly launched and key products in Academic State Institution, hospitals and clinics by planned date.
• Initiate appropriate actions to ensure performance is in line with objectives. 
• Territory Business Planning
• Customer Focus and Service
• Reporting/ Administration
• Broader impact on company success

If this sounds appealing, please read on to understand the experience and skills we’re looking for…

Essential Skills and Experience required:

• Completed Degree/Diploma with a life science background 
• Must have 3 years plus proven track record as a Sales Rep in the pharmaceutical environment 
• Must have a good understating of the state/public healthcare system
• Previous basket experience/exposure would be an advantage with sound knowledge of Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Diabetes products.
• Existing relationships with key customers in the territory would be advantageous. 
• Strong analytical ability 
• Strong presentation skills 
• Excellent communication skills: clear and concise messaging
• High learnability (incl. complex theory/science),
• Ability to work closely in collaboration with cross functional business areas.
• Must have a Valid driver’s license 
• Computer Knowledge (at least Intermediate)
• Team Player
• Integrity and assertiveness 
• Organised
• Results orientated 
• Negotiation skills
• System thinking and acting in a consistent way