Head of Commercial Europe

headcount | recruitment driven by science; Baar; On-site; CHF 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Head of Commercial Europe is sought by a growing pharmaceutical group to shape and lead the European commercial strategy for oncology assets. You will drive market access, medical affairs alignment, and downstream execution across European markets, preparing for a major lung cancer launch and ADC portfolio expansion.

You will lead a lean European commercial organization, manage forecasting and budgets, and partner closely with regional and global teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Life Sciences, Marketing or related field; advanced degree is advantageous.
• 10+ years of progressive commercial experience in pharma/biotech with multi-country Europe responsibility.
• Proven track record owning European commercial strategies and launches.
• Experience leading oncology product launches and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong understanding of European market dynamics, regulations, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute European commercial strategy translating global objectives into plans.
• Own commercial operations, market performance, and strategic development across Europe.
• Lead preparations for a major lung cancer product launch and future ADC commercialisation.
• Build European commercial organization and recruit a high-performing team.
• Collaborate with Medical Affairs and Market Access to align cross-functional strategies.
• Own forecasting, annual planning, budget management and performance tracking.
• Manage external consultants, distributors and strategic partners.
• Maintain an entrepreneurial, accountable, and collaborative culture.

Skills

Strategic leadership

European launches

Forecasting & budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

Market access understanding

Team development

Entrepreneurial mindset

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Life Sciences, Marketing, or related

Job description

Head of Commercial Europe

Our client is a growing, internationally backed pharmaceutical company specializing in innovative oncology therapies, dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by cancer. Their European organization combines the agility of an entrepreneurial biotech with the expertise and stability of a global pharmaceutical group. In addition to managing an established oncology asset, the Head of Commercial will prepare for a major European lung cancer product launch and the future commercialization of ADC therapies, offering a unique opportunity to shape commercial strategy and build a scalable European organization. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, working hand in hand with Market Access, Medical Affairs and other cross-functional leaders across Japan and the US.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop and execute the European commercial strategy, translating global objectives into actionable commercial plans
• Take full commercial responsibility for an existing oncology product, overseeing commercial operations, market performance, and strategic development across European markets
• Lead the European commercial preparation for a major upcoming lung cancer product launch, including market prioritization, launch strategy, readiness, and execution
• Develop long-term commercialization strategies for future oncology pipeline assets, including ADCs
• Establish and progressively build the European commercial organization, developing internal capabilities and recruiting a high-performing team as the portfolio expands.
• Work closely with Medical Affairs and Market Access leadership to develop an integrated European strategy, ensuring strong collaboration and alignment across functions
• Own European commercial forecasting, annual business planning, budget management, and performance monitoring, identifying risks and opportunities
• Manage external commercial consultants, distributors, and strategic partners
• Foster a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and accountable working culture, combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Life Sciences, Marketing, or a related discipline; an advanced degree is advantageous
• At least 10 years of progressive commercial experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, including significant European multi-country responsibilities.
• Proven track record of personally developing and owning European commercial strategies, translating strategic decisions into successful operational execution.
• Demonstrated experience leading European pharmaceutical product launches, preferably in oncology; specialty or hospital pharmaceutical experience is also relevant.
• Strong understanding of European pharmaceutical commercialization, including market dynamics, promotional regulations, market access, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing existing commercial portfolios while simultaneously preparing complex product launches and future commercialization strategies.
• Entrepreneurial and hands-on leadership style, with the ability to operate effectively in a lean organization with limited internal resources.
• Proven experience collaborating closely with Medical Affairs and Market Access, building trust and alignment across functions rather than working in silos.
• Experience managing external consultants, distributors, commercialization partners, or strategic alliances across European markets.
• Strong commercial forecasting, business planning, financial management, and analytical capabilities.
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and resilient personality with a strong sense of accountability, integrity, and commitment to collective success
• Fluent English; additional European language skills are advantageous
• Based in Switzerland and willing to maintain a regular on-site presence in Baar, with availability for European and occasional international travel (approximately 25%)