Country Manager – UAE

Department: Sales & Marketing Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Reporting To: Senior Cluster Head-MENATRole Description:The Country Manager – UAE will be responsible for leading and managing the overall business operations of the company in the UAE, with a primary focus on driving revenue growth, expanding market presence, developing strategic partnerships, strengthening the distribution network, and ensuring operational and regulatory compliance.The role requires a commercially driven pharmaceutical professional with strong leadership capabilities, market knowledge, and experience in managing pharmaceutical sales, marketing, regulatory coordination, distribution, and business operations.Key ResponsibilitiesA.

Business Strategy & Country P&L ManagementDevelop and implement the UAE country business strategy in alignment with the company's overall business objectives.Take ownership of country-level revenue, profitability, and P&L performance.Prepare annual business plans, budgets, sales forecasts, and monthly business projections.Identify growth opportunities across government, institutional, hospital, retail, and private market segments.Drive product portfolio expansion through new product launches and strategic business opportunities.Monitor market performance, competitor activities, pricing trends, and changing market dynamics.Ensure achievement of annual and quarterly sales and profitability targets.B. Sales & Business DevelopmentLead the sales team in achieving monthly, quarterly, and annual business targets.Develop and implement effective sales strategies for institutional, hospital, pharmacy, and private market channels.Build strong relationships with key customers, distributors, hospital groups, pharmacy chains, procurement organizations, and healthcare stakeholders.Identify and develop new business opportunities and strategic accounts.Drive product penetration, market share expansion, and sustainable business growth.Monitor sales performance, customer-wise business contributions, product-wise sales, and territory-wise achievements.Ensure effective execution of sales plans and marketing initiatives.Develop business opportunities through tenders, institutional contracts, and long-term supply agreements.C. Marketing & Product ManagementSupport Marketing team to develop country-specific marketing strategies and product launch plans.Identify potential products based on market demand, competition, pricing, and commercial viability.Coordinate with the marketing and product management teams at Head Office for product selection and launch planning.Drive brand-building initiatives, product awareness, and market penetration.Monitor product performance and recommend corrective actions for underperforming brands.Ensure effective implementation of promotional campaigns and field activities.D. Regulatory & New Product Registration CoordinationCoordinate with the regulatory affairs team to identify product registration opportunities in the UAE.Develop a regulatory product pipeline based on market potential and business priorities.Monitor regulatory changes, pricing approvals, product variations, and compliance requirements.Work closely with the regulatory team to ensure timely availability of dossiers and required documentation.E. Distribution & Supply Chain ManagementManage and strengthen relationships with appointed distributors and business partners.Ensure effective product availability across key market segments.Develop demand forecasts in coordination with the sales team and distributors.Monitor inventory levels, stock rotation, expiry exposure, and product availability.Ensure timely submission and execution of purchase orders.Monitor order fulfilment, supply timelines, and customer service levels.Coordinate with Head Office for production planning, supply allocation, and shipment schedules.Minimize stock-outs, excess inventory, and expiry-related losses.F. Financial & Commercial ManagementTake responsibility for country-level financial performance and profitability.Monitor operating expenses, marketing expenditure, and administrative costs against approved budgets.Ensure effective working capital management and timely collection of outstanding receivables.Ensure all commercial proposals and exceptional discounts are within approved company policies.Provide regular financial and business performance updates to management.G. Tender & Institutional Business ManagementIdentify and evaluate government and institutional tender opportunities.Develop competitive tender strategies in coordination with Head Office.Ensure timely submission of tender documentation, commercial proposals, and supporting regulatory documents.Evaluate competitor pricing, tender requirements, historical awards, and commercial risks.Coordinate with distributors and institutional customers for tender execution.Ensure effective follow-up of purchase orders, deliveries, and payment collections.H. Team Leadership & People ManagementLead, motivate, and develop the UAE sales and business operations team.Define individual responsibilities, targets, and key performance indicators.Conduct regular sales reviews and performance evaluation meetings.Identify training and development requirements for team members.Ensure effective field force deployment and territory management.Drive accountability, discipline, and performance-oriented working culture.Develop succession planning and strengthen local organizational capabilities.4. Educational QualificationsBachelor's degree in PharmacyMBA in Marketing, International Business, or General Management will be an added advantage.5. Experience RequirementsMinimum 10-15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.Minimum 3-5 years of experience as Sales Manager or Country Manager role specifically handling prescription (Rx) products across all seven Emirates of the UAE.