GBLCAREERS

Opportunities exist for an individual with initiative, drive, energy and integrity to lead MSHS to fulfill its mission.

• Job Title: Sales and Marketing Director
• Location: Freetown or Monrovia
• Reporting to: Country Director, MSSL
• Probation Period: 6 Months

The Role

Provide leadership, strategic direction, and drive towards attainment of quarterly and annual sales and marketing goals for MS Health Care Solution.

Job Purpose

The Sales and Marketing Director (SMD) will be responsible for the day to day running and leadership of MS Healthcare Solutions, having full delegated responsibility and accountability to transform MSHS into a profitable and viable Pharma-business. A target driven role, the SMD would be expected to develop and implement a commercial strategy to meet annual sales targets, and increase the market share of reproductive health products. He/ She will take responsibility for the marketing, sales and distribution of pharmaceutical products to the health sector (public and private sectors) within the Mano River Union countries with an initial focus on Sierra Leone and Liberia. He/ She will manage the commercial team in the two countries. The SMD will be responsible for managing MS Healthcare Solutions as a viable profit making agency, as per the business plan.

This position offers a unique opportunity for initially twelve months (12), with the possibility for the contract to be renewed on a yearly basis to a motivated and dynamic commercial/marketing professional, with previous experience in the pharmaceutical sector, to build a new company that focuses on Health Commodities in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and potentially the wider West Africa Region.

Main Responsibilities

Targets and Commercial:

• Analysis of data to develop and implement regional (Sierra Leone and Liberia) strategies, account business plans, respond to market changes, and establish goals and tactics.
• Accountable for delivering sales budget for all sectors (private and public sectors) with detailed monthly tracking of profit and income analysis of sale target and revenue.
• Lead negotiation of all (old/new) agreements with distributors in the two Mano River countries.
• Manage the distributor relationships, including adherence with contracted targets and overall performance management.
• Responsible for the development of annual business strategy and work plan development process.
• Ensure robust inventory management in collaboration with MSSL finance and procurement and logistics departments, ensuring accurate forecasting and maintenance of optimum buffer stocks for smooth operations.
• Develop and implement a sales and distribution strategy for Sierra Leone and Liberia
• Maintain an in depth knowledge of customer and competition.​

Business Development:

• Identify, prioritise and follow up on promising pharmaceutical business development opportunities through active networking with local and international business contacts
• Search for new market opportunities to increase existing commercial portfolio in the private sector within Sierra Leone, and Liberia
• Lead all phases of negotiations for potential partnerships

Representation & Networking:

• Represent the company at pharmaceutical meetings, commercial events and environments.
• Position the company within the private sector as the optimal partner for sales and marketing of pharmaceutical products.
• Stay up to date on relevant developments within the industry through networks, contacts, conferences and meetings.

Others

• Oversee compliance of associates with established company policies and standards, such as safekeeping of company funds and property, personnel practices, security, sales and record-keeping procedures etc.
• Maintain timely administration of required reports.

• B.Pharm or M.Sc. degree in Pharmacy or Sciences. An MBA would be an added advantage.
• Senior management experience in Pharma-Marketing, Commercial, Distribution and Regulatory Affairs, and Corporate Communications in Sierra Leone/Liberia
• Senior level experience of 5-7 years in Pharma-Commercial/Marketing, Marketing Communications within the Mano River union will be a strong added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience within Information, Education and Communication (IEC) or Behavioural Change and Communication (BCC) programs in the health sector will be an added advantage
• Good knowledge and experience on social marketing or commercial marketing in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea/WA
• Proven and very strong project management and organizational skills with sensitivity to details and deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead pharma commercial teams, projects and start-up companies to profitability
• Proven ability to develop and work within approved work plans, lead and manage pharma projects.
• Strong oral, written communication , interpersonal, problem solving and analytical skills
• Confident in using the Office package (World, Outlook, Excel, Power Point), and proficient in using of Excel highly required
• Familiarity with business management tool is desirable
• Willingness to travel 50% of the time in Sierra Leone and Liberia
• A genuine commitment to the mission and goals of Marie Stopes Sierra Leone.
• Ability to speak French would be an added advantage but not essential.