General Manager – Life Sciences & Research Peptides

Our ClientOur client is an emerging life sciences company based in Dubai, focused on establishing a premium research-grade peptides and scientific products distribution business. With ambitious plans to expand across the GCC, the company is seeking an entrepreneurial General Manager to establish, launch, and scale its operations into a profitable regional business.Role OverviewAs the General Manager, you will lead the business from inception, taking full ownership of its establishment, commercial strategy, operations, and financial performance.The role requires a commercially driven leader with strong industry knowledge, international supplier relationships, and experience building and scaling businesses within life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical ingredients, or scientific products distribution.This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who can build a business from the ground up, establish a strong regional presence, and drive sustainable profitability.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the complete business setup, including company formation, licensing, regulatory approvals, recruitment, and operational infrastructure.Develop and execute a five-year business strategy covering market positioning, revenue growth, profitability, and GCC expansion.Identify and qualify international peptide manufacturers, establish strategic supplier partnerships, and negotiate competitive sourcing agreements.Develop a premium product portfolio covering research-grade peptides, analytical reference materials, and custom peptide synthesis solutions, ensuring quality verification, traceability, and regulatory compliance.Build the commercial business through institutional sales, B2B digital distribution, strategic partnerships, and long-term customer relationships.Take full ownership of P&L, revenue, gross margins, EBITDA, cash flow, working capital, and overall financial performance.Recruit and lead a high-performing team, establish operational processes, and report business performance and strategic progress directly to the Chairman.Must-Have12–15+ years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in senior commercial leadership, general management, or business leadership roles.Strong industry background in research peptides, biotechnology, life sciences, pharmaceutical ingredients, laboratory products, or specialty scientific distribution.Proven experience establishing, launching, scaling, or turning around businesses with full P&L accountability and measurable commercial results.Established international manufacturer and sourcing relationships, with strong knowledge of the UAE and GCC life sciences or scientific products market.Demonstrated ability to develop institutional customers, build B2B distribution channels, negotiate supplier agreements, and drive profitable business growth.Entrepreneurial mindset with strong commercial acumen, financial discipline, strategic thinking, and the ability to execute independently in a start-up environment.Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Business, or a related discipline; an MBA would be advantageous.Next StepsUpload your resume via our ATS platform and ensure all form details are complete. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 5–7 working days for a more detailed discussion about the role. Please note, due to high application volumes, we will only respond to shortlisted profiles.