National Sales Manager

Abbott Laboratories; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic National Sales Manager to lead sales strategies across South Africa. This pivotal role involves driving sales growth, managing a talented team, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring over a decade of pharmaceutical experience, showcasing a proven sales track record and strong leadership abilities. Join a forward-thinking company that values diverse perspectives and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector. If you are passionate about driving results and leading teams to success, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in the Pharmaceutical industry with Doctor Detailing and Trade experience.
• 4+ years as a National Sales Manager with direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales and operations to boost sales and achieve cost savings.
• Build relationships with key customers and facilitate sales.

Skills

Pharmaceutical Sales Experience

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Leadership Skills

Planning Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Tertiary Qualification in Health Sciences

Additional Business Qualification

Job description

At Abbott, diverse ideas, perspectives, and expertise allow us to create life-changing solutions that help people live healthier lives. In 150 countries and with businesses spanning nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices, and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott offers you enormous opportunities to explore your interests and help you achieve your career and personal goals.

Abbott’s Established Pharmaceutical Division focuses on offering high-quality branded generic pharmaceuticals to millions of people. We offer treatment options for several areas, including the digestive system, heart health, women’s health, respiratory illness, central nervous system/pain, and influenza vaccines.

In this role: The National Sales Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating overall sales activities and strategies across the South African Market. The role aims to increase sales, profits, and market share on a long-term basis.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

1. Drive the sales and operations process with a commercial-driven mindset to boost sales and achieve cost savings.
2. Build relationships with key customers, thought leaders, trade associations, and industry players to facilitate sales and increase the visibility and adoption of Abbott EPD products.
3. Execute strategies and tactics to increase sales, and coach sales teams during national and local meetings.
4. Manage profit margins to meet company objectives, plan budgets, set sales goals, and assist in creating reliable sales forecasts.
5. Translate strategic objectives into operational plans.
6. Oversee the implementation and monitoring of a business intelligence model to drive customer segmentation and targeting, focusing on sales force effectiveness initiatives.
7. Monitor and implement activities critical to business needs (Customer Coverage, Account meetings, Cycle Meetings, etc.).
8. Assist Human Resources with manpower planning, personnel selection, development of performance standards, reviews, compensation, employee development, and training.
9. Partner with marketing, medical, legal, and regulatory teams to develop and execute product strategies.
10. Develop, motivate, and challenge team members to achieve performance.
11. Lead a team of Regional Sales Managers.
12. Maintain data integrity principles and good documentation practices within the area of responsibility.
13. Ensure training is completed as planned.
14. Attend any quality-related training.
15. Report any customer complaints to quality within 48 hours of awareness.
16. Report any adverse drug reactions within 3 days of awareness.
17. Support audit readiness activities and participate in audits as required.

What you will need:

A Tertiary Qualification in Health Sciences or Related, and Additional Business qualification would be advantageous.

Minimum Skills Required:

1. 10+ years’ experience within the Pharmaceutical industry having experience within both Doctor Detailing as well as Trade (pharmacies and retail) essential.
2. A minimum of 4 years’ experience within a National Sale Manager role, having FLM/RSM’s reporting directly into the role.
3. Strong analytical skills.
4. Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills.
5. Ability to work and lead in a cross-functional team.
6. Demonstrate the passion and values required by the business to succeed in delivering the objectives established for the business.
7. Excellent planning, problem-solving, and management skills.
8. Ability to determine short and long-range business needs.
9. Demonstrate flawless execution of business objectives with a proven strong sales track record.