Country Manager - UK

Cipla; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a UK Country Manager to oversee operations and drive growth strategies in the UK market. This role requires significant experience in the pharmaceutical sector, with a focus on strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and P&L management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in generics and experience engaging with NHS stakeholders. This position offers a competitive salary and potential for career growth.

Qualifications

• Significant senior management experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record of delivering commercial results and P&L management.
• Direct experience in engaging with the NHS and market access frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead P&L accountability for the UK's operations.
• Develop and implement a 5-year strategic plan.
• Engage with NHS stakeholders to enhance market presence.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Business

Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA)

Job description

Job Purpose

The UK Country Manager will assume full responsibility for the leadership and management of Cipla’s UK operations, with accountability for delivering revenue, profitability, and long-term business growth. The role encompasses management of Branded Generics, Hospital Generics, and Wholesale, with an annual revenue base of approximately USD 100 million. The incumbent will be required to define and execute a 5-year business strategy, drive the launch and uptake of new products, strengthen Cipla’s branded generic portfolio & biosimilars and enhance corporate recognition and stakeholder engagement within the UK healthcare market, particularly at senior levels of the NHS.

Key Accountabilities

Accountability Cluster Major Activities

1. Commercial and Strategic Leadership
   • Full P&L accountability for Cipla’s UK business across Branded Generics, Hospital Generics, and Wholesale channels.
   • Delivery of annual revenue and profitability targets.
   • Development and implementation of a 5-year strategic plan to ensure sustainable business growth.
   • Leadership of new product planning and launch execution to expand portfolio presence and market share.
   • Drive strategic focus on respiratory therapies & biosimilars to establish Cipla as a recognized leader in this segment.
2. Stakeholder and Market Engagement
   • Establish and maintain senior-level engagement with NHS stakeholders, payers, and other relevant external partners.
   • Actively contribute to industry dialogue and represent Cipla in appropriate forums.
   • Enhance visibility and recognition of the Cipla brand within the UK pharmaceutical market.
3. Leadership and People Development
   • Direct line management of 3 verticals - branded generics, Hospital & Retail with an extended team of 10+ indirect reports.
   • Provide effective leadership, coaching, and development to build high-performing teams.
   • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and compliance.
4. Operational and Compliance Excellence
   • Ensure adherence to UK and EU pharmaceutical regulations, policies, and compliance frameworks.
   • Monitor competitive dynamics, regulatory developments, and healthcare policy changes to inform strategic decision-making.
   • Drive operational efficiency and process improvement across commercial and support functions.

Experience

• Significant senior management experience within the pharmaceutical industry, with proven track record of delivering commercial results and P&L management of similar scale (≥USD 100m).
• Strong background in generics, branded generics, hospital contracting, and wholesale channels.
• Demonstrated capability in strategy development, portfolio expansion, and new product launches.
• Direct experience in engaging with the NHS and navigating UK market access frameworks.
• Exposure to respiratory therapeutic areas is strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen with ability to translate strategy into measurable results.
• Advanced leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
• Strategic mindset, with ability to anticipate and adapt to market changes.
• High standards of integrity, compliance, and operational discipline.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA) desirable.

Relevant experience

• Minimum of 10+ years preferably in similar geography with knowledge on regulations for the region, and local language skills
• Strong analytical and networking skills
• Strategic outlook to drive respiratory and branded business in UK with a clear view on profitability
• Strategic view of hospital tender market in UK
• Strong analytical and networking skills