Head of Sales and Operations US

PLAIO; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

PLAIO, an AI-driven pharma planning leader, seeks a Head of Sales & Operations - U.S. to build and scale our presence in the American market. You will own go-to-market strategy, partnerships, and the operational backbone for rapid growth.

You will lead a cross-functional team, establish processes, and work with Europe leadership to deliver customer outcomes. This is a hands-on leader role with strategic oversight and regional execution.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant professional experience in sales, business development, commercial leadership, or operations.
• Pharmaceutical industry experience with manufacturing and its operational challenges.
• Supply chain expertise in pharmaceutical supply chain, production planning, manufacturing operations, or planning and scheduling.
• Track record of driving commercial growth and closing complex B2B enterprise sales.
• Experience selling enterprise software, SaaS solutions, supply chain technology, or digital transformation solutions is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including building, managing, and developing teams.
• Experience establishing business operations, sales processes, and commercial structures in a new or growing market.
• Established professional network within the U.S. pharmaceutical industry is highly desirable.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to translate market opportunities into sustainable growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute PLAIO's U.S. sales and go-to-market strategy.
• Establish and grow PLAIO's presence and reputation within the American pharmaceutical industry.
• Identify, develop, and close new business opportunities with the pharmaceutical industry.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior decision-makers in supply chain, manufacturing, production planning, and operations.
• Lead and develop PLAIO's U.S. commercial and operational activities.
• Coordinate with product, marketing, consulting, and implementation teams to ensure successful onboarding and long-term customer satisfaction.

Skills

10+ years

Pharma industry

Supply chain

Enterprise sales

Leadership

New market

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Deal negotiation

AI-minded

Job description

The future of AI pharmaceutical supply chain planning in the U.S.

About PLAIO

PLAIO is an innovative Icelandic technology company transforming planning processes within the pharmaceutical industry. Our advanced AI planning platform combines advanced prediction capabilities and artificial intelligence to help pharmaceutical companies optimize production planning, anticipate future manufacturing needs, and manage increasingly complex supply chains.

By improving visibility, enabling data-driven decision-making, and streamlining planning processes, PLAIO helps pharmaceutical companies create more efficient, reliable, and scalable operations.

Our mission is simple: Advance planning technology and make the planner's life easier.

As we continue to grow internationally, we are looking for an ambitious and experienced Head of Sales & Operations - U.S. to establish and lead our presence in the American market.

The Role

This is a unique opportunity for a commercially driven, pharmaceuticals leader to take ownership of PLAIO's U.S. market expansion.

As Head of Sales & Operations - U.S., you will be responsible for developing the market, driving commercial growth, establishing strategic partnerships, and building the operational foundation for PLAIO's long-term success in the United States.

You will take a leading role in defining and executing our U.S. go-to-market strategy, identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with key pharmaceutical companies, and converting those relationships into long-term customers.

Working closely with PLAIO's executive leadership team in Europe, as well as our product, consulting, and implementation teams, you will act as the key representative of PLAIO in the U.S.

This is a hands-on leadership role that requires someone who can set the strategic direction while also taking ownership of day-to-day commercial activities. You will have considerable independence and the opportunity to shape how PLAIO develops and operates in the U.S. market.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Growth & Market Development

• Develop and execute PLAIO's U.S. sales and go-to-market strategy.
• Establish and grow PLAIO's presence and reputation within the American pharmaceutical industry.
• Identify, develop, and close new business opportunities with the pharmaceutical industry.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior decision-makers, including leaders in supply chain, manufacturing, production planning, and operations.
• Develop strategic partnerships and build a strong network within the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.
• Take ownership of the sales pipeline, forecasting, commercial targets, and business development activities.

Leadership & Operations

• Lead and develop PLAIO's U.S. commercial and operational activities.
• Establish the processes, structures, and ways of working required to support sustainable growth.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team as the U.S. business expands.
• Work independently, take initiative, and make strategic and operational decisions.
• Ensure effective collaboration between U.S. customers and PLAIO's international teams.
• Coordinate with product, marketing, consulting, and implementation teams to ensure successful customer onboarding and long-term satisfaction.

Market & Strategic Development

• Develop a deep understanding of the U.S. pharmaceutical market, its competitive landscape, and customer needs.
• Identify market trends and opportunities related to pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain planning, and digital transformation.
• Provide market feedback and strategic insights to PLAIO's executive and product teams.
• Continuously refine PLAIO's commercial approach to strengthen its position in the U.S. market.

Who We Are Looking For

• We are looking for a highly experienced, independent, and results-oriented leader with a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry.
• You understand how pharmaceutical companies operate and know how to build relationships with senior stakeholders. Ideally, you have worked closely with pharmaceutical, supply chain, production planning, or operations.
• You are equally comfortable developing a long-term commercial strategy, negotiating complex enterprise agreements, and rolling up your sleeves to make things happen.

Your background and experience:

• 10+ years of relevant professional experience in sales, business development, commercial leadership, or operations.
• Pharmaceutical industry experience, with a strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing and its operational challenges.
• Supply chain expertise, preferably involving pharmaceutical supply chain, production planning, manufacturing operations, or planning and scheduling.
• A proven track record of driving commercial growth and closing complex B2B enterprise sales.
• Experience selling enterprise software, SaaS solutions, supply chain technology, or digital transformation solutions is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including building, managing, and developing teams.
• Experience establishing business operations, sales processes, and commercial structures in a new or growing market.
• An established professional network within the U.S. pharmaceutical industry is highly desirable.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to identify and convert market opportunities into sustainable growth.

Your personal profile

• You are a natural leader who inspires confidence and builds strong relationships.
• You are proactive, AI-minded and comfortable working independently with a high level of responsibility.
• You have the ability to establish a business presence and create opportunities in a competitive market.
• You are strategic in your thinking but equally comfortable with hands-on execution.
• You are commercially minded, driven by results, and motivated by building something from the ground up.
• You have excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• You are comfortable working across international teams, cultures, and time zones.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership position with significant responsibility and influence over PLAIO's U.S. expansion.
• The opportunity to establish and build a business presence in one of the world's largest pharmaceutical markets.
• A competitive compensation package.
• Remote working flexibility from within the United States.
• Regular travel to Europe to collaborate with PLAIO's leadership and international teams.
• The opportunity to work with innovative technology combining AI, predictive capabilities, and pharmaceutical planning expertise.
• The chance to join an ambitious international growing technology company.

Join PLAIO and help us advance planning technology and make the planner's life easier.