Country Manager – UAE (Pharma)

Job Title: Country Manager – UAE (Pharma)Location: DubaiJob SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and results-driven Country Manager to lead and expand our pharmaceutical operations in the UAE market. The ideal candidate will have 10–15 years of overall experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including 2–3 years in a Country Manager or Regional Manager role. The role requires strong leadership capability, deep market knowledge in both OTC and prescription segments, and proven expertise in tenders' management, KOL engagement, insurance market access, regulatory compliance, channel development, and cross-functional coordination.Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Strategy, Market Expansion & TendersDevelop and execute the UAE country strategy aligned with regional and global objectives.Drive revenue growth across OTC and prescription drug portfolios.Lead and manage government, semi-government, and institutional tenders to secure sustainable business growth.Identify new business opportunities within hospitals, institutions, and insurance-driven segments.Monitor competitor activities, pricing strategies, and tender dynamics.KOL Engagement & Market AccessDevelop and maintain strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), healthcare professionals, and institutional decision-makers.Drive medical engagement initiatives to support brand positioning and product adoption.Oversee insurance listings and reimbursement processes with major UAE insurance providers.Lead negotiations and submissions for insurance inclusion and formulary approvals.Government & Strategic LiaisonAct as the primary liaison with UAE health authorities, regulatory bodies, and key external stakeholders.Maintain strong relationships with Ministry officials, tender committees, and regulatory authorities.Ensure smooth coordination for product registrations, pricing approvals, and policy-related matters.Represent the company at industry forums and regulatory discussions.Team Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentLead, mentor, and manage cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Regulatory, Market Access, Supply Chain).Build a high-performance, accountability-driven culture.Oversee recruitment, capability development, and succession planning for the UAE team.Compliance & Regulatory OversightEnsure full compliance with UAE pharmaceutical regulations and promotional guidelines.Work closely with Regulatory and Medical Affairs teams to maintain registrations and approvals.Ensure adherence to pharmacovigilance, ethical promotion, and corporate governance standards.Channel & Customer ManagementManage key distributors, wholesalers, pharmacy chains, hospitals, and institutional accounts.Strengthen relationships with strategic trade and healthcare partners.Optimize distribution models to ensure maximum market coverage and supply efficiency.Planning, Financial Oversight & ReportingOwn and manage full country P&L responsibility.Prepare annual operating plans, budgets, and sales forecasts.Monitor performance against KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.Provide structured reporting and market intelligence insights to senior management.Key Requirements10–15 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.Minimum 2–3 years in a Country Manager or Regional Manager role.Strong experience in OTC and prescription portfolios.Proven experience in managing tenders, KOL engagement, and insurance market access in the UAE.Established network with key healthcare stakeholders and authorities.Strong team leadership and cross-functional coordination skills.Solid understanding of UAE pharmaceutical regulations and compliance standards.Strong financial acumen with P&L management experience.Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills.Preferred QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, or Business Administration (MBA preferred).Experience managing distributor-led and institutional markets in the UAE.Strong analytical, strategic planning, and governance capabilities.#J-18808-Ljbffr