Manager - International Business Development - Pharmaceutical Industry - GCC Market (10-16 yrs)

International Business Development Manager - GCC Market

Job Description:

Role Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and enterprising International Business Development Manager to lead our pharmaceutical growth and expansion across the GCC region.

The ideal candidate should have deep market knowledge, regulatory expertise, and strong commercial relationships within the Gulf countries.

This role is critical to strengthening our presence in both the private and institutional segments of the region.

Key Responsibilities:

GCC Market Expansion:

- Drive market entry, registration, and sales strategy across all GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

- Analyze market potential, demand trends, pricing structures, and tender opportunities.

Regulatory Affairs & Approvals:

- Manage end-to-end product registration processes with local health authorities such as SFDA (Saudi), DHA/MOHAP (UAE), MOPH (Qatar) etc.

- Coordinate with internal regulatory teams and local agents to ensure timely dossier submission, queries handling, and MOH approvals.

Distributor & Partner Management:

- Identify, evaluate, appoint, and manage local distributors and agents.

- Monitor partner performance and support them in institutional tender participation, sales, and product positioning.

Tender & Institutional Business:

- Actively track and participate in government tenders, hospital listings, and health ministry procurements (e.g., NUPCO in Saudi Arabia).

- Prepare required documentation and liaise with partners for tender submission and compliance.

Sales & Forecasting:

- Define sales targets for each market and ensure achievement through structured planning and performance monitoring.

- Maintain pricing discipline and oversee logistics coordination with the supply chain.

Trade Engagement & Marketing:

- Participate in key regional pharma events like DUPHAT, Arab Health, and local distributor conferences.

- Guide adaptation of product packaging, marketing collaterals, and promotional material to suit regulatory and cultural preferences.

Compliance & Documentation:

- Ensure adherence to Gulf regulatory, pharmacovigilance, and anti-bribery policies.

- Maintain meticulous records of MOH communication, regulatory submissions, approvals, and product lifecycle status.

Key Markets Covered:

- GCC Countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

Required Skills & Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, or Business. MBA preferred.

- Minimum 7+ years of international pharmaceutical business development experience, specifically in GCC markets.

- Proven success in regulatory submissions, market access, and distributor partnerships in the Gulf.

- Familiarity with MOH online portals (e.g., SFDA, Tatmeen, MOHAP).

- Excellent negotiation and cross-cultural communication skills.

- Fluency in English mandatory; Arabic language skills are a strong advantage.

- Willingness to travel across the GCC region (30-40%).