Head of Business Development & Portfolio

Uplift People Consulting; Riyad Al Khabra; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting agency is looking for a Head of Business Development & Portfolio to drive growth in the healthcare sector in KSA. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience and a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. Responsibilities include analyzing market opportunities, leading product launches, and defining portfolio strategies. This role offers the chance to shape business development initiatives in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in managerial roles for prescription and consumer healthcare products.
• In-depth understanding of the pharmaceutical industry in KSA+ region.
• Track record in Portfolio Management and product identification.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the Corporate Pipeline for potential projects in KSA+.
• Liaise with commercial leads for new launches and projects.
• Submit business cases and lead cross-functional teams.

Skills

Pharmaceutical industry knowledge

Financial analysis

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, Science, or Biology

MBA or Post Graduate Diploma in Sales Management or Marketing

Job description

About Uplift

Uplift is a dynamic agency specializing in global talent search, covering EMEA, LATAM, USA, and APAC. With successful placements in 52 countries, we combine speed and cutting-edge technology to source top executive and mid-senior talent across various functions. Our innovative approach integrates global networks, AI, and advanced recruitment tools. Beyond recruitment, we engage with our audience through our podcast, newsletter, and webinars, ensuring we stay at the forefront of talent acquisition and global HR trends.

About Our Client

Our client operates in over 100 countries within the healthcare industry , with a team of 10,000+ employees driving innovation and growth.

Head of Business Development & Portfolio is a strategic role working closely with group, regional, and KSA+ teams to identify and develop white space opportunities / growth levers in markets & portfolio within KSA+.

The person will contribute to KSA+ ambition, through leading and defining a fit for purpose portfolio and build clear partnership relations with operational KPIs driving robust growth and identify local opportunities acquiring local brands / companies M&As and Leading local manufacturing projects when required.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze the Corporate Pipeline to identify potential projects / products that fit the portfolio strategy in KSA+.
• Evaluate project / product opportunities initiated by Global Portfolio Management,
• Liaise with Commercial and Market leads for new launches and projects.
• Provide reliable analysis that can contribute to the decision-making process.
• Submit business cases and manage the post submission evaluation / execution process by leading cross functional teams with Portfolio, Technical development, Finance, IP / Legal, Regulatory and Marketing
• Stakeholder Management to ensure HQ / local commercial / Marketing / Supply / Finance and Regulatory alignment & support the product launch processes.
• Define and execute portfolio strategy in line with the company geo-expansion strategy i.e., Africa, Turkey, Near east and Southeast Asia.
• Identifying potential markets, potential categories and lead a distributor mapping exercise to appoint fit for purpose business partner per segment per market.
• Define and lead Local market acquisition / M&A opportunities and lead specific local projects such as local manufacturing projects in cooperation with the KSA+ Head.
• Active membership of the company's Business Development community
• Keep all information tracked and visible including input for monthly business reviews with KSA+ head and EM region.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in managerial sales and marketing positions for prescription products (different Therapeutics Areas), consumer healthcare (CHC) products and analytics background (IQVIA or similar) in a medium to large sized reputable organization / s

In-depth understanding of pharmaceutical industry within the KSA+ region (Africa – SEA – and Near east) market trends, statistical analysis and the techniques and application of primary market research.

Understanding the market to develop proper portfolio growth strategies.

In-depth knowledge of key business functions such as market access, business development, Marketing, Regulatory and Pricing

Track record demonstrating the continuum of experience and success in Portfolio Management, from methodologies for potential product / portfolio identification through due diligence.

Skills

A good understanding of the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, market dynamics, and product lifecycle, drug development processes, clinical trials, and regulatory approval pathways.

Understanding of financial principles and the ability to conduct financial analysis to assess business opportunities.

Strategic thinker, innovative, able to drive multiple simultaneous initiatives, able to work under pressure.

Analytical skills supporting quick grasp of market / financial data in order to process business case driven recommendations (mastering Excel a given)

Excellent leadership, managerial, interpersonal and relationship building skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Goal oriented, focused, energetic, and enthusiastic.

IT savvy and process orientation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy, Medicine, Science and / or Biology

MBA, master’s degree and / or Post Graduate Diploma in Sales Management, Marketing or related fields from a reputable university will be an advantage.

Uplift’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Uplift, we are committed to fair and equal experience for all employees and applicants, supporting the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment. We value the diverse talents and perspectives of individuals from all backgrounds, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities. We focus on creating opportunities for growth and advancement based on each person’s qualifications and performance.

We are passionate about uplifting people's lives and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, age, or disability. At Uplift, everyone is welcome.