Country Head Saudi Arabia

About the Role
This position holds ultimate accountability for the full P&L and for developing and implementing the local strategy and tactics of the affiliate. The role involves defining the agenda for, building, and leading local teams across marketing & sales, finance, medical, regulatory affairs, and other enabling functions. Responsibilities include delivering on sales, market share, growth, and profit objectives, strengthening company culture, and enhancing external reputation, all while supporting global/regional organizational objectives. The leader will also identify key stakeholders/customers and establish relationships to expand patient access for products, utilizing resources optimally. A strong talent pipeline and a high-performing organization will be built, in alignment with company culture and values.

Major Accountabilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the overall performance of country organizations and distribution markets, collaborating with the cluster to set strategy for current and future product portfolio, delivering sales and profits within agreed budgets, and providing effective leadership of business divisions, functional groups, and support teams.
• Communicate a clear Country business vision and strategy based on the global vision/strategy to ensure they are reflected in a focused, lean, and responsive country organization.
• Provide a strong and consistent voice in global and regional forums, offering local insights into strategic decisions, while balancing local, regional, and global needs during implementation of country/cluster strategies and operational plans.
• Collaborate with Global and Regional functions to design, plan, and oversee the execution of creating a future-proof legal and operational setup for the cluster, including establishing a Saudi Arabia legal entity and satellite offices where applicable.
• Develop the product pipeline and portfolio, maximizing success of key launches through effective leadership across all functions.
• Shape the country market environment proactively to defend and enhance market position and improve market access through strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders.
• Serve as the public face of the local organization, ensuring legal and ethical conduct, corporate compliance, and adherence to company procedures.
• Oversee joint ventures, in-licensing agreements, and other business relationships impacting long-term results.
• Represent the organization in cross-divisional forums, building strong partnerships and ensuring strategic/alignment.
• Foster an excellence-oriented and customer-focused culture, driving innovation and developing high-performing teams.
• Lead talent acquisition efforts, succession planning, and development of associates within the country and region.
• Actively coach and partner with direct reports to build and implement development plans and promote a team-oriented culture rooted in trust.

Key Performance Indicators

• Financial & Business results (Revenue growth, Profitability, Market share)
• Strategy/Market Focus (Resource allocation, Long-term strategy, Portfolio plans, Launch & Market access effectiveness, reputation)
• Operational Excellence while embedding Compliance and Quality standards
• Progress on strategic initiatives and projects (Growth, Operational Excellence)
• People, Capabilities, and Management (Talent development, acquisition, culture, D&I KPIs, Succession Plan strength, Ethics)

Job Dimensions

• Number of associates: ≈60 FTE
• Financial responsibility: ≈75 million USD total revenue
• Impact on the organization: High

Ideal Background
Education:

• University degree in Life Sciences or Business
• MBA preferred
• Advanced degree in bioscience, medicine, business, and/or economics

Languages:

• Fluency in spoken and written English; knowledge of other relevant country languages is advantageous

Experience/Professional Requirements:

• Proven track record of P&L responsibility
• Extensive experience (10-12 years) in executive positions within the pharmaceutical industry
• Diverse geographic experience preferred
• Strong ability in developing and coaching future leaders
• Proven ability to create a shared purpose and culture, drive performance with integrity
• In-depth understanding of country regulatory and market environments
• Strong relationships with KOLs in regulatory bodies, customers, and media
• Proven sales and marketing management ability and solid knowledge of launch/commercialization processes
• Proven experience in risk management
• Significant leadership experience and ability to inspire diverse teams across a matrixed organization
• Effective in managing complexity and ambiguity in a fast-paced environment
• High communication and influencing skills

Why the company?
The company is recognized as the global leader in Biosimilar and Generic medicines, a segment of the healthcare industry that plays a significant role in making medicines accessible and affordable worldwide. We strive to make healthcare accessible to more people through sustainable practices, impactful investments in capabilities, and partnerships. Our dynamic and inclusive workplace encourages diversity of thought, fosters personal growth, and supports impactful careers.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are committed to an inclusive work environment and to building diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired:
Agility, Asset Management, Budget Management, Business Development, Business Strategy, Commercial Excellence, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Customer Orientation, Digital Marketing, Healthcare Sector Understanding, Influencing Skills, Inspirational Leadership, Joint Ventures, Key Account Management, Market Access, Marketing Strategy, Market Share, Market Trend, Medical Affairs, Negotiation Skills, People Management, and Product Launches.