Country Head Saudi Arabia

sandoz; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandoz Saudi Arabia seeks a senior leader to drive local strategy and oversee the country organization across marketing, sales, medical, regulatory, and finance functions. You will work with regional and global teams to expand patient access for Sandoz products while upholding the company’s values.

The role focuses on delivering sales growth, market access, and a strong, compliant local operation aligned with global standards.

Qualifications

• University degree in Life Sciences or Business required
• MBA preferred
• Advanced degree in bioscience or medicine preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead country organization performance and set strategy for current and future product portfolio.
• Deliver sales, profits, and market share within budgets.
• Build and lead local teams across marketing, sales, medical, regulatory, finance.
• Represent Sandoz publicly and ensure compliance and ethical conduct.
• Develop talent pipeline and succession planning.
• Collaborate with Global/Regional teams on legal entity setup in Saudi Arabia.

Education

University degree in Life Sciences

MBA

Advanced degree in bioscience or medicine

Job description

Job Description Summary

Has ultimate accountability for full P&L and for developing and implementing the local strategy and tactics of the affiliate. Defines agenda for, builds, and leads the local teams including marketing & sales, finance, medical, regulatory affairs, and other enabling functions. Responsible for delivering sales, market-share, growth and profit objectives, strengthening the company culture, and enhancing Sandoz's external reputation while supporting global/regional organizational objectives. Responsible for identifying key stakeholders/customers and establishing relationships to expand patient access for Sandoz products, by optimally using available resources. Builds a strong talent pipeline and high performing organization, based on Sandoz/Novartis culture and values.

Job Description

Major Accountabilities

• Lead, manage and develop the overall performance of the country organizations and distribution markets, collaborating with the cluster to set strategy for current and future product portfolio, delivering sales and profits within agreed budgets, and providing effective leadership of its business divisions, functional groups, and support teams.
• Communicate clear Country business vision and strategy (based on Sandoz Global vision/strategy) and ensure that these are reflected in a focused, lean, and responsive country organization.
• Provide a strong and consistent voice in global and regional Sandoz forums, of which he/she is an active member, providing inputs on the local needs into global and regional strategic decisions, and gathering best practices for use by functions. Balance and prioritize needs of local, regional and global businesses in the implementation of country/ cluster strategy and operational plans.
• In collaboration with Global and Regional functions, design, plan and oversee the execution of the creation of future-proof Legal and operational setup for the Cluster and in particular creation of Saudi Arabia Legal entity, and satellite rep offices where needed/relevant/approved; Adapt and optimize such setup also considering current and future country authorities requirements for regional headquarters presence, balancing opportunities and risk for Sandoz.
• Develop the organization's product pipeline and portfolio and maximize success of key launches through effective leadership across the functions.
• Lead, manage and develop the overall performance of the local organization, collaborating with the Cluster and the Regional Teams to set strategy for current and future product portfolio components, delivering sales and profits within agreed budgets, and providing effective leadership of its business divisions, functional groups, and enabling teams
• Proactively shape the country market environment, defend and improve market position and depth of market access by developing strong, trust-based relationships with customers and stakeholders (e.g. regulators, pharma and healthcare associations, patient groups, customers, key accounts and KOLs).
• Act as head and public face of the Sandoz Saudi Country organization, ensuring legal and ethical conduct, corporate compliance, and adherence to company guidelines and procedures.
• Oversee in Country joint ventures, in-licensing agreements, and other business relationships that impact long-term company results.
• Represent Sandoz in cross-divisional forums and build strong partnerships among peers in other units, ensuring strategic and operational alignment where relevant.
• Strengthen Country organization by developing an excellence-oriented and customer-focused culture, fostering innovation, and building best-in-class teams that fully exploit all market opportunities, and internal systems, programs, and tools
• Drive top-level talent acquisition, succession planning and development of all associates within the country and across the region/sub-region
• Actively coach and partner with direct reports to build and implement their development plans.
• Be a role model for Promoting a team-oriented culture built on psychological safety and trust.

Key Performance Indicators

• Financial & Business results (Revenue growth, Profitability, Market share) Strategy/Market Focus (Resource allocation, Long-term strategy, Portfolio plans, Launch & Market access effectiveness/impact, reputation), Operational Excellence; while embedding Compliance and Quality standards
• Progress on strategic initiatives and projects (Growth, Op. Excellence)
• People, Capabilities, and Management (Our Voice survey, Talent development, talent acquisition, Culture, D&I KPIs, Succession Plans strength, High profile turnover, Code of Ethics)

Job Dimensions (Indicate key facts and figures)

• Number of associates: ≈60 FTE
• Financial responsibility: ≈75 m$ total revenue
• Impact on the organization: High

Ideal Background ( State the minimum and desirable education and experience level)

Education:

• University degree in Life Sciences or Business
• MBA preferred
• Advanced degree in bioscience, medicine,