Sector Head Pharma | Leading Specialty Chemicals MNC

Michael Page; Mumbai; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Executive exposure

Career progression

Job summary

Michael Page is searching for aSenior leader to head the Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics sector, directing national strategy from Mumbai. You will drive growth, manage top pharmaceutical accounts, and engage executive stakeholders across procurement, quality, microbiology, engineering, and production.

You will lead a team of KAMs, collaborate with regional managers, and shape value-based solutions with cross-functional teams in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• MBA and/or technical qualification in Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or related discipline.
• 10–17 years in B2B sales, key accounts or sector leadership.
• Experience with regulated pharmaceutical environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute sector strategy with a 3-5 year growth horizon.
• Translate long-term objectives into annual business plans and revenue targets.
• Drive profitable growth balancing top-line expansion and margins.
• Manage relationships with national pharmaceutical accounts across functions.
• Lead executive-level engagement with leading pharmaceutical organizations.
• Lead a team of Key Account Managers and influence regional sales teams.
• Own the commercial strategy for major national accounts and high-value opportunities.
• Lead bids, RFP responses, and contract negotiations for strategic customers.

Skills

Value selling

Consultative sales

Executive stakeholder management

Interpersonal communication

Team leadership

Education

MBA or equivalent

Engineering/Chemistry/Life Sciences background

Job description

• Lead a high-growth pharma vertical
• Own national strategy and key relationships with top pharma firms

About Our Client

Our client is a globally recognized leader in specialty chemicals, hygiene, and process solutions, serving highly regulated industries across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, industrial, and institutional segments. With a strong innovation-driven culture and an expanding presence in India, the organization is investing significantly in the pharmaceutical sector, which is one of its highest-growth business verticals.

Job Description

• Define and execute the Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics sector strategy with a 3-5 year growth horizon.
• Translate long-term strategic objectives into annual business plans and revenue targets.
• Drive profitable growth, balancing top-line expansion and margin delivery for the sector.
• Manage and strengthen relationships with key national pharmaceutical accounts across procurement, quality, microbiology, engineering, production, and plant leadership teams.
• Develop executive-level engagement with leading pharmaceutical organizations and strategic stakeholders.
• Lead a team of 3 Key Account Managers while influencing regional sales teams within a matrix organizational structure.
• Partner closely with Regional Sales Managers across North, South, East, and West India to ensure effective execution.
• Own the commercial strategy for major national accounts and high-value opportunities.
• Lead competitive bid processes, RFP responses, and contract negotiations for strategic customers.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and innovation opportunities within the regulated pharmaceutical environment.
• Collaborate with technical, marketing, R&D, and commercial teams to develop value-based solutions and differentiated customer propositions.
• Serve as the sector subject matter expert, providing technical guidance and industry insights to internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct technical and hygiene-related training programs aligned to pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.
• Build relationships with top pharmaceutical organizations and support the expansion of the business

The Successful Applicant

• 10-17 years of experience in B2B sales, key account management, business development, or sector leadership roles.
• Strong exposure to the pharmaceutical industry, preferably dealing with regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience engaging national-level pharmaceutical customers and managing large, strategic accounts.
• Track record of working with leading pharmaceutical companies and multiple stakeholder groups across procurement, quality, microbiology, engineering, and plant operations.
• Preferred experience within hygiene solutions, specialty chemicals, life sciences, pharmaceutical equipment, healthcare solutions, or related sectors.
• Strong understanding of value-selling methodologies and consultative account management.
• Proven commercial acumen with the ability to drive revenue growth and profitability.
• Ability to navigate complex matrix organizations and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, communication, and executive stakeholder management skills.
• MBA and/or technical qualification in Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline preferred

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead a strategically important and high-growth business segment.
• National leadership exposure with ownership of sector growth strategy.
• Direct visibility with senior leadership and regional stakeholders.
• Leadership responsibility for Key Account Managers and strategic customer relationships.
• Attractive performance-based incentive structure with quarterly payouts and significant upside through achievement multipliers.
• Career progression opportunities within a globally recognized market leader.
• Exposure to India's top pharmaceutical organizations and strategic industry initiatives.
• Mumbai-based national role with extensive executive-level stakeholder engagement.