Job Description/Specification:
We are seeking an experienced Regional Business Development Manager to drive the expansion of pharmaceutical operations across the GCC and MENA markets.
The role will focus on identifying new markets, appointing and managing distributors, developing strategic partnerships, launching pharmaceutical products, and achieving regional revenue and profitability targets. The successful candidate should have strong pharmaceutical export experience and an established understanding of distribution and regulatory requirements across the region.
Key Responsibilities
Regional Business Development
- Develop and execute market expansion strategies across GCC and MENA countries.
- Identify, evaluate, negotiate with, and appoint pharmaceutical distributors and commercial partners.
- Develop relationships with healthcare organizations, government stakeholders, distributors, and key decision-makers.
- Negotiate distribution agreements, pricing, and commercial terms.
- Identify opportunities for entering new countries and expanding the existing product portfolio.
Export Sales & Market Growth
- Achieve assigned regional revenue, profitability, and market-development targets.
- Prepare annual business plans, forecasts, and sales strategies for assigned markets.
- Identify opportunities for new pharmaceutical product launches.
- Monitor sales performance and implement corrective actions where required.
- Support growth of branded generics, OTC products, and other pharmaceutical portfolios.
Distributor Management
- Manage distributor relationships and conduct regular performance reviews.
- Support distributors in developing local sales and marketing plans.
- Monitor performance against agreed targets and KPIs.
- Train distributor sales teams on products, positioning, and value propositions.
- Ensure effective execution of promotional and market-development activities.
Market Intelligence & Strategy
- Monitor pharmaceutical market trends, competitor activity, pricing, and customer requirements.
- Identify government tenders and procurement opportunities.
- Analyze therapeutic categories and identify potential market gaps.
- Prepare market intelligence, sales, and business performance reports for senior management.
Regulatory & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Coordinate with Regulatory Affairs on product registrations and lifecycle requirements.
- Work with Supply Chain to maintain product availability and timely deliveries.
- Collaborate with Marketing to adapt campaigns and promotional materials for individual markets.
- Track registration milestones required for new market and product launches.
Regional Representation
- Represent the company at pharmaceutical exhibitions, conferences, and business meetings.
- Travel extensively throughout the GCC and MENA region to develop partnerships and strengthen customer relationships.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy is required.
- Minimum 5–10 years of experience in pharmaceutical exports, international sales, or regional business development.
- At least 5 years of pharmaceutical sales experience.
- Proven experience appointing and managing distributors across GCC and MENA markets.
- Strong understanding of pharmaceutical regulations, market access, and distribution models.
- Fluency in Arabic and English is required.
- Existing network of regional pharmaceutical distributors is highly desirable.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with branded generics and OTC products.
- Knowledge of government tenders and procurement systems.
- Experience launching pharmaceutical products in international markets.
- Established relationships with distributors and healthcare stakeholders across GCC/MENA.
Key Performance Indicators
Performance will be measured through new distributor appointments, entry into new markets, regional revenue growth, distributor target achievement, product registration milestones, market share development, profitability, and partner satisfaction.