Head of Division: Business Development

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Purpose of the Role:
A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Division: Business Development to drive the organisation’s marketing and business development strategy in line with its vision and mission.

This role is focused on ensuring the sustainable supply of affordable and accessible plasma-derived medicines across South Africa and the broader African region. The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying new business opportunities, expanding product offerings, and growing the organisation’s footprint within the biotechnology market.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy, Marketing & Sales

• Develop and implement the company’s marketing and business development strategy
• Manage and expand the product pipeline, including supply and distribution channels
• Lead all Business Development functions across the division
• Analyse market intelligence and provide strategic insights to the Executive Team
• Identify and evaluate relevant tender opportunities
• Develop and implement export pricing strategies
• Oversee the marketing and sales of biotechnology products
• Determine competitive product pricing aligned with revenue targets and Department of Health requirements (e.g. SEP submissions)
• Identify new business opportunities and drive sales strategies to achieve targets
• Prepare proposals, cost estimates, and business development reports
• Contribute to internal marketing initiatives
• Collaborate with Supply Chain on distribution channel development

Administration & Research

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and clinical developments
• Compile and present relevant reports as required

Financial Management

• Develop multi-year sales forecasts and revenue budgets
• Prepare and present the annual divisional budget
• Manage and control cost centre expenditure

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the organisation at industry forums, including national and international platforms
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including the Department of Health and patient interest groups

People Management

• Provide strong strategic leadership and direction to the division
• Set clear objectives aligned to organisational goals
• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team
• Drive a performance-driven culture through effective evaluation and feedback
• Identify and implement learning and development initiatives
• Support transformation, diversity, and inclusion objectives

Core Competencies:

• Strong leadership and influencing ability
• Excellent relationship management skills
• High level of commercial acumen
• Advanced negotiation and persuasion skills
• Strategic thinking with strong business impact focus
• Exceptional planning, organisational, and analytical skills
• Strong problem-solving capabilities
• Effective communication (written and verbal)
• Innovative and proactive mindset

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Postgraduate qualification in Marketing, Sales, or Business Development
• A medical or paramedical qualification will be advantageous

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience at executive level
• Proven track record in pharmaceutical product marketing
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including negotiating and concluding commercial agreements