General Manager Saudi Arabia

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Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

United As One for Patients, our purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve and prolong lives. We develop medicines, intelligent devices and innovative technologies in therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Neurology and Fertility. Our teams work together across 6 continents with passion and relentless curiosity in order to help patients at every stage of life. Joining our Healthcare team is becoming part of a diverse, inclusive and flexible working culture, presenting great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.

Job Title: General Manager – Healthcare

Location: Saudi Arabia

Overview

The pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant transformation, driven by government investments in healthcare and expanded access to medical services. We are seeking a dynamic General Manager to lead our Healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving the overall business strategy, managing operations, developing talent, and ensuring the continuous growth and success of our Healthcare business in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic business plan for Saudi Arabia to achieve sustainable growth, ensure product availability, and adapt to the evolving market landscape.
• Customize global product strategies to local needs, including product launches and lifecycle management.
• Provide strong leadership to the team, fostering a High Impact Culture and ensuring team engagement, development, and growth.
• Drive sales and market expansion initiatives, identifying new opportunities for growth in the Saudi healthcare market.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, distributors, and healthcare professionals.
• Represent our company in industry associations and forums, enhancing the company’s visibility and reputation.
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Leverage our company's external reputation through effective positioning and communication to establish Merck as a key player in the country.
• Identify opportunities to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness, realizing synergies across functions.
• Shape and lead a high-performance cross-functional Country Leadership Team, aligning with our company's values and ethical principles.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in all aspects of work and people-related topics.
• Lead crisis management efforts within the Healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia and coordinate necessary communication plans.
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership role within the pharmaceutical industry, with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams and engage with various internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the Saudi healthcare market, regulatory environment, industry trends, and the ability to develop and execute strategic plans relevant to growth opportunities.
• Proven ability to manage a P&L, understand key levers, and develop relevant plans to steer financial performance.
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and excellent decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English is a must. Arabic is a plus.
  
  

Scope Of Responsibility

• Manage multiple teams across the region, ensuring performance accountability and effective operations.
• Collaborate closely with functions such as Marketing, Medical, Finance, and HR to meet business objectives.
• Develop and implement sales and marketing strategies to achieve targets and optimize market share.
• Establish strong relationships with key opinion leaders, distributors, and regulatory bodies.
  
  

Candidate Profile

• Typically requires a graduate degree relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive professional experience, including substantial managerial roles, with a deep understanding of market dynamics.
  
  

Performance Evaluation

• Yearly evaluations based on established commitments and targets, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
  
  

Responsibilities

Additional Key Responsibilities (These additions emphasize the role's alignment with national initiatives and regulatory frameworks, enhancing the strategic importance of the General Manager position in Saudi Arabia's evolving healthcare landscape):

• Align with Vision 2030: Develop and implement strategies that align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives, focusing on enhancing healthcare services, increasing the private sector's role, and improving health outcomes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with Saudi healthcare regulations and standards set by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and other relevant authorities, including adherence to local laws regarding pharmaceuticals and healthcare practices.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Explore and establish partnerships with government entities and private organizations to enhance healthcare delivery and expand service offerings in line with national healthcare priorities.
• Market Access Strategy: Formulate and execute market access strategies that facilitate the introduction of innovative healthcare solutions and ensure equitable access to medications and treatments across the Kingdom.
• Healthcare Innovations: Lead initiatives to integrate digital health solutions and innovative technologies in healthcare delivery, supporting the Kingdom's goal of fostering a digital economy in the health sector.
• Workforce Development: Collaborate with educational institutions and training programs to develop a skilled workforce in the healthcare sector, supporting the Kingdom’s aim to localize healthcare jobs and enhance professional training.
• Health Promotion and Awareness: Drive health promotion and disease prevention initiatives in collaboration with local health authorities, contributing to public health campaigns and enhancing community health literacy.
• Sustainability Practices: Implement sustainability practices within the healthcare operations, aligning with national goals for environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.
  
  

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and believe that it drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of our diverse team!