Business Unit Head (Gastro), Gulf Region

About the Position

Established in 1836, Acino, part of Arcera, is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Zurich, with a clear focus on selected markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, as well as Ukraine and Eurasian countries. With over 3,000 people across 90 countries, we deliver quality pharmaceuticals to promote affordable healthcare in these emerging markets. We also leverage our high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and network to supply leading companies through contract manufacturing and out-licensing.

We're seeking a Business Unit Head for Gastro in the Gulf Region to lead growth through marketing and sales strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Business Unit with full accountability for sales, profit, market share, and growth objectives.
• Develop and implement annual and long-term business plans aligned with regional and corporate strategies.
• Ensure optimal positioning of Gastro products through localized pricing, placement, and promotion strategies.
• Continuously monitor market trends, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence to adapt strategies accordingly.
• Drive marketing excellence and consistent brand building through integrated campaigns.
• Champion successful product launches, line extensions, and brand lifecycle management.
• Ensure full alignment with regulatory and medical affairs to deliver compliant and relevant communications.
• Translate insights and data into actionable commercial initiatives.
• Contribute to strategic portfolio shaping and business case development.
• Assist in providing on-the-ground insights, shaping opportunity assessments, and supporting the localization of regional expansion strategies.
• Evaluate proposed pipeline and portfolio expansion initiatives by balancing regional priorities with local market dynamics, and regulatory feasibility to lead market entry assessments for new categories, brands, or partnerships.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for team members.
• Foster a culture of agility, accountability, and innovation.
• Deliver revenue, gross margin, and EBITDA targets with rigorous financial discipline.
• Ensure timely monitoring of P&L and course-correct as needed.
• Ensure that our values form a foundation for daily operations and help guide decisions as well as contribute towards shaping the team culture.
• Ensure compliance with all SOPs including forwarding of all received Product Quality Complaints, Adverse Events and Medical Enquiries to the relevant person in Quality Assurance/ Pharmacovigilance/ Medical Affairs.
• Completion of all assigned training within the specified timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or Life Sciences; MBA or marketing postgrad is an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of senior commercial leadership experience in pharma.
• Demonstrated success in delivering top and bottom-line growth through brand and portfolio leadership.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and working with regional/global stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in product launches, sales force execution, and achieving commercial objectives.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of the pharmaceutical business model.
• Excellent leadership and coaching skills to manage and develop high-performing teams.
• Ability to translate strategy into execution, with a focus on results and accountability.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in project management, sales analytics, and decision-making based on data insights.
• Digital mindset and experience using omnichannel tools for HCP engagement and promotion.

We Are Acino

At Acino, we push the boundaries to deliver high-quality pharmaceutical products that improve patients’ lives. Driven by our collective purpose to provide access to medicines to those in need, our strength lies in our unique expertise and presence in emerging and high-growth markets. We are proud to be challenging the status quo in the pharmaceutical industry, always looking ahead to the future with an open mind.

Join Acino, a dynamic and rapidly growing environment where your contributions can make a real difference.

Acino is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How To Apply

Note that only direct applications via our HR system (follow the link) will be considered.

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