Pharma Business Head

About the Role:

As the Business Head – Pharma, you will lead the pharmaceutical division across the UAE, GCC, and African markets, with a strong focus on UAE operations (70–80%), while also managing growth in GCC and Africa (10–15% each). You will be responsible for driving profitability, overseeing cross-functional teams, and executing market expansion strategies across business models including wholesale, distribution, marketing, and MA (Marketing Authorization) holding. This role demands strong leadership in operations, regulatory affairs, sales, marketing, finance, warehousing, supply chain, and legal compliance, especially within the highly regulated pharmaceutical landscape of the UAE.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Market Strategy & Development

• Lead strategic planning and execution across UAE, GCC, and African territories.
• Appoint and manage field force teams in UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Analyze UAE market segmentation:
• Dubai: competitive retail landscape with international buyer profiles.
• Abu Dhabi: government-linked institutions and long-term contract opportunities (e.g., SEHA, GHQ, RAFED).
• Segment business by cash vs. insurance models and tailor product positioning accordingly.

2. Commercial & Product Strategy

• Own the full P&L of the pharmaceutical business.
• Identify market gaps and define the optimal product portfolio for promotion and distribution.
• Lead pricing, margin, and profitability strategy for new and existing markets.
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners for portfolio expansion and sourcing initiatives.

3. Regulatory & Compliance

• Oversee all regulatory affairs, including:
• MA registrations, DHA, HAAD, and MOHAP submissions.
• Licensing, audits, and compliance with UAE pharmaceutical laws.
• Ensure quality control and audit-readiness across all product and operational activities.

4. Operations, Warehousing & Supply Chain

• Manage warehousing and supply chain operations across regions.
• Oversee semi-automated warehouses and ensure:
• WMS/WCS integration.
• Proper drug store layout and licensing compliance.
• Implement process automation and cost optimization across logistics and procurement.
• Ensure product availability while reducing delivery timelines and operational costs.

5. Financial Oversight & Governance

Collaborate with the Finance team for:

• Budget preparation, variance reporting, and forecasting.
• Cost control initiatives and business unit performance monitoring.
• Approve payments, monitor cash/fund flow, and ensure alignment with group financial goals.

6. Sales, Marketing & Business Development

• Direct sales and marketing teams to achieve revenue and growth targets.
• Oversee government segment growth (e.g., SEHA, GHQ).
• Lead brand-building campaigns and product launches aligned to market needs.

7. Digital & IT Transformation

• Supervise IT infrastructure and drive adoption of ERP/CRM systems.
• Enable digital transformation initiatives for operational efficiency, reporting, and data security.

8. Legal, Public Relations & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with labor laws, trade regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Oversee legal matters such as receivables, supplier disputes, and regulatory risk.
• Supervise government liaison and PR teams to ensure proactive regulatory communication.

9. Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and mentor heads of departments and cross-functional teams.
• Build high-performance commercial teams for multi-country operations.
• Drive employee engagement, training, and performance management programs.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Minimum 10–12 years of leadership experience, including 5+ years in UAE-based pharma distribution or marketing companies.
• Proven P&L ownership and success in optimizing business profitability.
• Deep understanding of UAE pharma regulatory frameworks and market segmentation (retail, institutional, cash, and insurance).
• Experience with field force development, especially in Abu Dhabi government healthcare sector.

In-depth knowledge of:

• WMS/WCS systems
• Drug store layout, licensing, and stock control
• 3PL logistics and supply chain optimization
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, variance reporting, and cost control.
• Demonstrated success in multi-country management across GCC and Africa.
• Experience with enterprise systems (ERP, CRM) and digital enablement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Industry Background:

• Pharma, Healthcare, or Medical Devices firms specializing in marketing and distribution
• Companies with UAE headquarters and regional operations in GCC and Africa