Head of Business Development & Portfolio

Uplift People Consulting; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Uplift People Consulting is seeking a Head of Business Development & Portfolio for a client in the healthcare industry. This strategic role requires over 10 years of experience in managerial positions, focusing on market analysis, partnership relations, and leading growth initiatives in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership and analytical skills, with a robust understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape and business development processes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in managerial sales and marketing for prescription products.
• In-depth understanding of KSA+ region pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience in Portfolio Management and market analysis.

Responsibilities

• Analyze corporate pipeline for KSA+ portfolio strategy.
• Manage cross-functional teams for project execution.
• Identify growth opportunities in new and existing markets.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Education

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

MBA or related master's degree

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 over100 countrieswithin thehealthcare industry, with a team of10,000+ employeesdriving 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.

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.