Business Unit Director Region Africa

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Purpose:

Lead, coordinate and facilitate strategic development, tactical implementation and financial planning components of all Sales and Marketing related topics of the Brand Strategy and manage customer and other commercial activities including leading and coaching Sales Force to maximize brand sales and margin placing the patient at the center of any efforts and operating within AbbVie business code of conduct, policies and all applicable laws and regulations.

• Effectively manage and execute all marketing and sales related (Eye Care – Dry Eye Disease portfolio) activities as per franchise Plan, such as development and implementation of commercial Brand strategy, tactical Brand activities execution and deliver sales performance to maximize or exceed brand sales targets.
• Liaise with relevant countries leads functions to integrate local insights into brand strategy planning, strategy execution and to facilitate the development and alignment of franchise vision and strategic objectives.
• Lead product launches, plan and roll out promotional activities, and coordinate the placement of POS materials and merchandising displays.
• Support product market expansion through innovative commercial programs. Develops view on Brand issues and competitive positioning, customer segments and their needs, and market development
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts (wholesalers, retail chains, non-traditional medicine vendors, optometry traders), understanding their business drivers and aligning solutions to their needs.
• Develop and execute innovative market expansion programs and digital marketing initiatives—including multi-channel strategies, strategic partnerships (both traditional and non-traditional), and targeted campaigns to drive franchise brand objectives and maximize reach. This includes designing and implementing digital marketing tactics and multi-stakeholder collaborations tailored to support brand growth and engagement.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities (with sales, supply chain, finance, regulatory) for seamless execution and brand alignment
• Develop tailored engagement plans, negotiate commercial terms, and secure new product listings to ensure optimal market access and in-store excellence.
• Support preparation of franchise financial planning (Financial Plan, Focus/Update, Long Range Plan)
• Professionally manage and build cross functional cooperation between key stakeholders. Ensure timely and qualitative market intelligence information for brand strategy/tactical communication from Brand Teams to In-Field Teams to optimize brand strategy and its execution.
• Effectively Execute Distributor Governance Process. Ensuring engaging and managing sub-distributors onboarding selection consistent with the Distributor Governance Framework, processes and compliance controls

As Brand Team Leader:

• Through a combination of data and real-world insights, lead strategic discussions with the cross-functional task force Team to identify opportunities for the brand.
• Lead the task force Team around a brand vision and objectives that are shared by all members.
• Ensure task force Team Members contribute to the development of the Brand strategy through the Brand Planning process in line with strategy defined by Global Brand Team (where applicable) and ensure adequate involvement of multiple functions as relevant for the Brand objectives.
• Continuously encourage task force Team members’ collaboration and foster team spirit.
• Take accountability and responsibility for Task force Team activities and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Relevant experience with proven track record of success in marketing and sales management within FMCG /pharmaceutical/Eyecare industry in Sub-Sahara Africa on multiple brands and within multiple team constellations.
• Result-oriented, pay attention to detail, accurate, agile and able to meet deadlines.
• Ability to translate strategies into actionable and realistic marketing actions.
• Solid knowledge of strategic and tactical marketing principles and techniques including digital knowledge and proven track record of strategic and operational execution.
• Must possess the ability to be a fast learner, be creative, flexible with good negotiation skills and ability to effectively work in a team.
• Experience in leading, motivating and co-ordinating cross-functional teams.
• Experience in business development case formulation and product launches.
• Solid working knowledge of healthcare, FMCG environment and evolving landscape with a proven sales track record of success
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including effective presentation skills. Ability to communicate objectives and results to a variety of audience
• Solid knowledge of finance principles and processes, analytical and decision-making skills
• Experience in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) and pharmacy
• Experience in Digital Marketing

Personal Qualities

• Ability to set Brand vision and strategy while maintaining balance between opportunities, resources and investments to maximize growth for a whole portfolio
• Ability to effectively translate the vision and broad strategies into concrete/actionable strategic plans and goals, followed by execution of plans
• Ability to drive for results and translate strategy into flawless execution
• Ability to negotiate with people from other functions and Affiliate Management Team to secure required resources and budget for Brand activities
• Ability to prioritize decisions and activities, and make difficult decisions to ensure efficient use of resources and address critical issues impacting the brands
• Ability to anticipate, adopt, execute and adjust where relevant
• Ability to establish clear expectations, provide timely, accurate feedback - both positive and negative - and take appropriate follow-up action to build capability and ensure effective functioning
• Ability to encourage open exchange of ideas and knowledge
• Ability to build organization and inspire people by continuously putting things in perspective and communicating the bigger picture
• Ability to recognize, reward and promote team accomplishments
• Ability to promote collaboration and remove obstacles to teamwork across the organization

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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