Business Unit Director, KSA

NTS Group; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational pharmaceutical company is looking for a Business Unit Director (KSA) to drive commercial growth and performance in Saudi Arabia. This role involves full P&L responsibility, strategic leadership, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, strong knowledge of the local market, and proven leadership skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence healthcare outcomes and lead impactful initiatives in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience in managing P&L responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of the Saudi healthcare regulatory environment.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement growth strategies for the business unit.
• Manage full P&L responsibilities and optimize product portfolio.
• Drive market access and pricing strategies.
• Lead sales performance and demand planning.
• Build relationships with healthcare providers and regulators.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional team leadership

Market access knowledge

Fluency in Arabic

Commercial acumen

Education

12+ years of pharmaceutical leadership experience

Experience in senior management role

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a leading multinational pharmaceutical company with a strong presence across the Middle East. Recognised for its commitment to innovation, patient outcomes, and healthcare excellence, the company operates a diverse portfolio spanning prescription medicines, specialty care, and market-leading therapeutic solutions.

With Saudi Arabia being one of its fastest-growing markets, the organisation is entering an exciting phase of expansion — focused on commercial growth, market access, and strategic partnerships.

To support this next chapter, we are seeking a visionary and commercially astute Business Unit Director (KSA) to lead one of the company’s most strategic business units in the Kingdom. Based in Saudi Arabia, this is a high-impact leadership role with full ownership of growth, performance, and market strategy.

The Role

The Business Unit Director (KSA) will be responsible for driving the commercial, operational, and strategic performance of the business unit across the Kingdom. As a key member of the country leadership team, you will lead P&L management, product portfolio strategy, sales excellence, market access execution, and cross-functional collaboration — ensuring sustainable growth, operational excellence, and strong stakeholder relationships in alignment with the company’s long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Commercial Leadership: Define and implement a growth strategy for the business unit in line with therapeutic priorities and market opportunities.
• P&L & Portfolio Ownership: Manage full P&L responsibility and optimise the product portfolio to maximise revenue, profitability, and market share.
• Market Expansion & Access: Drive market access, pricing, tender strategies, and partnerships with key stakeholders including SFDA, MOH, insurance bodies, and healthcare institutions.
• Sales & Operational Excellence: Lead sales performance, forecasting, demand planning, and cross-functional execution to achieve business objectives.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with KOLs, healthcare providers, distributors, and regulatory authorities to strengthen the company’s market position.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing commercial and cross-functional teams, promoting a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with medical, regulatory, finance, supply chain, marketing, and global teams to ensure seamless execution of strategy.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure all business activities comply with local regulations, global policies, and ethical standards.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a strategic and commercially driven leader with a proven track record in the pharmaceutical industry. The ideal candidate will bring deep market knowledge, strong stakeholder influence, and the ability to drive sustainable growth.

Requirements

• 12+ years of progressive pharmaceutical leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior business unit or country-level management role.
• Demonstrated success in leading commercial and P&L responsibilities within Pharma (Specialty, Primary Care, Biologics, or similar).
• Strong understanding of the Saudi healthcare and regulatory environment, including market access, tendering, and pricing.
• Proven experience in launching and scaling products in competitive therapeutic areas.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities with experience managing cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Strong stakeholder management with established relationships across MOH, SFDA, payers, and KOLs.
• Fluency in Arabic is essential; English fluency is also required.
• Experience working within multinational pharmaceutical environments is highly preferred.

Why This Role?

This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to lead a major business unit within a global pharmaceutical leader at the forefront of healthcare innovation in the Kingdom.

As Business Unit Director, you will have the strategic influence, resources, and autonomy to shape the future of the portfolio — driving commercial excellence, improving patient access, and making a meaningful impact on healthcare outcomes across Saudi Arabia.

How to Apply

If you are a strategic and commercially driven pharmaceutical leader ready to take on one of the most impactful roles in the Kingdom, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact NTS Group for a confidential discussion.