Country Manager, UK & Western EU – Generics & Speciality Pharmaceuticals

Chemistree | Resourcing & Recruitment; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a dynamic UK Business Head to lead operations across the UK and Western Europe. This hybrid role involves managing sales and marketing while ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in senior-level sales and business development within the pharmaceutical sector. Competitive package offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in senior sales and business development.
• Proven track record in general management and scaling businesses.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European pharma markets.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial and administrative aspects of the company in the UK.
• Establish front-end strategies for marketing and sales.
• Drive sales through partnerships with wholesalers and pharmacy chains.

Skills

Senior-level sales experience

Business development

Regulatory knowledge

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Job description

UK Business Head. Exciting new opportunity working for an established company in Generics and Speciality Pharmaceuticals

Role: UK Business Head - Sales, Marketing and Business Development

Therapy Area: Generics and Speciality Pharmaceuticals

Package: Highly competitive package

Location: Hybrid - Hampshire Office/Home based

This is a permanent headcount role

Role type: Country Director, Business Head, Business Unit Director, Business Development Director, Commercial Director

Our client is seeking a dynamic Business Head to lead its operations across the UK and Western Europe. This position carries full P&L accountability and will oversee sales, marketing, business development, and supply chain functions. The role will focus on building a strong generics and specialty pharmaceutical business, delivering year-on-year growth (organic and through in-licensing), and ensuring compliance with UK and European regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the overall representative of the company in the UK, managing commercial, legal, reputational, and administrative aspects.
• Establish and execute robust front-end strategies to market, sell and distribute OTC, pharmacy, prescription, and CE-marked products across both B2C and B2B channels.
• Engage with wholesalers, pharmacy chains, supermarkets, and other national-level partners to drive sales.
• Pursue contract manufacturing (CMO) opportunities with UK MA holders for supply from accredited Indian plants.
• Own and deliver the National Business Plan including target setting, forecasting, resource allocation, and reporting.
• Conduct regular customer and field visits; engage CCGs, negotiate NHS tenders, and secure long-term supply contracts.
• Monitor NHS strategies, market dynamics, and competitor activity to drive innovative, insight-led business development.
• Recommend and shape future product lines through review of product specifications, requirements, and new product opportunities.
• Develop marketing and advertising strategies for OTC products, including promotional campaigns and retail support to maximise reach and frequency of purchase.
• Service existing accounts and establish new ones, building strong long-term relationships.
• Drive business results including top-line growth, gross contribution/EBITDA targets, and full P&L delivery.
• Ensure brand development and sustainable market share growth while building a demand-led business.
• Collaborate with corporate teams in India on new business strategies and untapped opportunities across the region.
• Manage supply chain efficiency to eliminate gaps between demand and supply.
• Prepare and present management reports on business performance and market outlook to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and maintain the highest ethical and professional standards.

About the Client

Our client is a fully integrated pharmaceutical company, established in 1936 and recognised as a global leader in Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and Ophthalmics. With world-class manufacturing facilities and a portfolio of 300+ products, the company serves patients in over 50 countries. Innovation, quality, and expanding access to healthcare are at the heart of its mission.

The person / experience

• 10 plus years of senior-level sales and business development experience in UK/European pharma (branded and generics).
• Proven track record in general management, scaling businesses, and delivering sustainable growth.
• Strong knowledge of UK & European pharma markets, regulations, and commercial opportunities.
• High-energy, results-driven leader with strong strategic and execution skills.
• Excellent communicator and negotiator, able to influence at senior levels.
• Analytical, resourceful, and commercially astute, with the ability to define winning business models.
• Strong people leader who can inspire, coach, and empower teams.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable navigating change in a dynamic environment.
• Must be based within 90 minutes of Southampton, with flexibility for office and field work.
• Advantage, not essential): eligibility to act as Deputy Responsible Person.

To Apply

If you feel you have the experience and credentials to take on this senior leadership role, please forward a copy of your CV in confidence.

Alternatively, contact the specialist recruitment team at Chemistree Solutions Ltd on 0115 937 3515 to arrange a discreet, initial conversation.

Chemistree Solutions is a trusted recruitment partner to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, with a strong track record of placing senior leaders across the UK and Europe.