Job Description
This field-based leadership role is pivotal in building and managing a high-performing sales team to achieve company objectives and drive the successful launch of an established product within a new therapeutic area in Nephrology.
The position demands strategic thinking, decisive leadership, strong business acumen, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Collaborating closely with the Business Unit Director (BUD), cross-functional teams (XFT), and global functions, this role ensures alignment, ambition, and a steadfast focus on patient and customer centricity to deliver impactful business outcomes.
Key responsibilities:
* Recruit a team of high performing Key Account Managers in a timely manner to execute the strategy for launch.
* Develop and implement a national sales strategy aligned with the overall product launch plan and company objectives.
* Once recruited, lead, manage, and inspire a national team of Key Account Managers (KAMs) to execute the commercial strategy, achieve sales and patient growth targets, and deliver high-quality, customer-focused activities.
* Drive the team to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and decision-makers.
* Develop and coach the KAM team to ensure selling excellence, account management expertise, and compliance with Sobi standards and the ABPI code of practice.
* Collaborate with the Business Unit Director (BUD), cross-functional teams, and global functions to shape strategy, drive innovation, and deliver impactful commercial activities in Nephrology.
* Manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and monitor sales and activity data to capture opportunities and address challenges.
* Represent the UK/ROI region at internal and global events, support local and national initiatives, and substitute for the line manager when required.
* Spend 50-75% of time in the field, supporting the team, engaging with key customers, and ensuring alignment with business goals.
* Recruit, train, and motivate the KAM team, providing on-the-ground coaching and input into training programs and team meetings.
* Ensure efficient use of tools like Veeva CRM and measure the value and impact of commercial resources to maximize return on investment.
* Work closely with marketing, medical, and market access teams to ensure a cohesive approach to the product launch.
Qualifications
* University degree or equivalent, preferably in healthcare, medical, or science fields.
* Minimum 10 years of pharmaceutical sales experience, with at least 5 years in sales management (rare diseases and nephrology experience highly desirable).
* ABPI qualified with strong knowledge of the code of practice in a field force environment.
* Proven experience in training, coaching, and working in an international matrix environment with multicultural teams.
* Strong understanding of local/national health systems, decision-making processes, and pharmaceutical tendering.
* Pre-launch and launch experience, with expertise in delivering pharmaceutical value stories and monitoring OPEX to targets.
* Excellent analytical skills to evaluate KPIs and present complex data clearly, alongside advanced IT skills (Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM systems).
* Fluent in English, both written and verbal.