Commercial Excellence Manager - Middle East and Africa (PSS07982)

About the Company

An innovation-driven global pharmaceutical organization operating across Specialty, Generics, and OTC businesses, with a focus on key therapeutic areas such as respiratory, dermatology, and oncology. The company maintains 10 world-class manufacturing facilities across 4 continents and a commercial presence in over 80 countries. Recognized among the world’s top 100 biopharmaceutical companies and listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for emerging markets, it continues to advance innovative therapies addressing critical unmet medical needs.

Position Overview

The General Manager – Commercial Excellence (MEA) is a senior leadership role responsible for driving commercial performance and capability across one of the company’s most dynamic international regions. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Business Head – MEA | Sales Leader, this position integrates Sales Force Effectiveness (SFE), Marketing Excellence, and Training & Capability Building into a unified commercial engine that enhances productivity, optimizes resource allocation, and strengthens brand execution across markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the integrated Commercial Excellence strategy for the MEA region, aligned with global business priorities.
• Design and continuously upgrade go-to-market models across SFE, Marketing, and Training pillars.
• Drive commercial efficiency through structured performance management and multi-channel engagement models.
• Lead cross-functional teams of commercial specialists to deliver sustainable, above-market growth.
• Implement standardized SFE systems, analytics dashboards, and KPIs for field and key account teams.
• Oversee marketing effectiveness frameworks, campaign measurement, and ROI tracking across promotional channels.
• Design and govern regional capability development frameworks for sales, marketing, and commercial leadership teams.
• Champion adoption of digital tools including CRM/SFA, advanced analytics, and AI-driven insights to enable data-led decisions.
• Partner with Country Heads, BU Heads, and global Com-Ex teams to align regional priorities and co-create scalable tools and processes.
• Own market research and commercial excellence budgets, ensuring compliance and optimal resource allocation.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Education: University degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Pharmacy, Medicine, or a comparable discipline; MBA or postgraduate qualification in Commercial Strategy/Marketing preferred.
• Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or FMCG industry across SFE, Marketing, and/or Commercial Excellence; minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role with P&L or commercial ownership.
• Leadership: Proven record of leading cross-functional teams across multiple geographies, with MEA exposure strongly preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of Com-Ex, SFE, territory design, segmentation, CRM/SFA platforms, brand management, omnichannel engagement, and BI tools.
• Soft Skills: Strategic thinker with strong executive presence, analytical acumen, collaborative leadership style, and high learning agility in complex, emerging markets.

Why Consider this Opportunity?

• Lead the full Commercial Excellence agenda across a high-growth international region.
• Shape commercial strategy and execution in partnership with senior regional and global leadership.
• Drive digital transformation through advanced analytics, CRM/SFA systems, and omnichannel engagement models.
• Develop and mentor diverse commercial teams, building long-term organizational capability.
• Gain visibility and influence within a global leadership community focused on innovation and sustainable growth.

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