General Manager South Africa

Job Description

At Gilead, we're creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we've tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world's biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. Every member of Gilead's team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we're looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description

Reporting to the Vice President Global Patient Solutions (GPS), the GM South Africa will be accountable for the Gilead business in the country and for leading the Gilead team in South Africa. S/he will provide strategic direction and effective cross-functional leadership in order to ensure a strong team working culture so that the business achieves its ambitious performance objectives across all key geographies. These objectives include the achievement of company revenue and profit targets, the successful reimbursement and launch of new products and the adherence of the Gilead South Africa business to the values & policies of Gilead and the local business conduct requirements. S/he will also interface effectively with the GPS team and the relevant Intercontinental (ICR) & global teams to ensure strategic alignment with our global product strategies and maximize lifecycle opportunities for our products in the country. The position will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Specific responsibilities include:

1. Managing the business relationships in country and contract negotiations, supply & tender management & forecasts.
2. Provision of strategic direction for Gilead's products, implementation of product trainings, business updates / reviews, BC trainings etc.
3. Overall representation of the company in South Africa, being the responsible legal person covering legal and fiscal responsibilities and being the representative of the company on legal / statutory issues interacting with government bodies.
4. The interface between the company and other pharmaceutical companies, patient groups, scientific organizations, main customers, suppliers, health authorities and key opinion leaders.
5. Compliance with statutory accounting practices and local employment laws.
6. Responsible for the start-up of the South Africa affiliate ensuring the implementation of Gilead values and Gilead business culture along with the fit on South African culture.
7. Maximizing the sales and profit growth of the South Africa business.
8. Prepare and agree realistic but ambitious budgets with the GPS and ICR leadership.
9. Take responsibility for the profitable development of the business, maximizing the potential of the existing product portfolio and ensuring the successful introduction of new products.
10. Ensure accuracy and timeliness of reporting.
11. Coordinate locally the access program specifically dedicated to treatment and prevention anti-viral and anti-infective portfolio.
12. In coordination with the support Functions and the Leadership of the Region, position the company with key stakeholders within South Africa including health authorities, key opinion leaders, policy makers and payers.
13. Develop the profile of the company and ensure that the company is respected and viewed as an influential and valuable contributor / stakeholder within the industry, within trade associations and among policy makers, government authorities and payers.
14. Drive access negotiations and policy shaping in all therapy areas with relevant stakeholders – payers, regulators, the scientific community and relevant patient associations.
15. Shape the organization, coach, lead and develop the team; foster teamwork as well as a leadership culture which attracts, develops and retains high caliber talent to build and shape a commercial talent pool that will drive the future successes of the organization.
16. Provide motivational leadership through personal example and by forming and leading a highly motivated and energetic management team.
17. Play a full and active part, alongside other Senior Managers in the growth of the company.
18. Work closely with the regional marketing groups in order to ensure revenue and growth targets are met on a product-by-product basis.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned leader with significant experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in the areas of sales, marketing, access, external affairs and people management. S/he will have a track record of leading a business within the specialty pharma space and hands-on experience in an operational management position either as a Division / BU Head or General Manager in a relevant market. Ideally, s/he will also have international experience and will be culturally versatile. Successful Rx product launch track record in South Africa. Above country and/or global experience in a pharmaceutical company. S/he will have advanced experience with product launches and lifecycle management, especially in the context of specialty products. S/he will be a pragmatic individual who enjoys getting involved in the business at all levels and across all disciplines. Ability to lead cross-functionally in a matrix organisation is key. S/he will have the necessary gravitas and strong influence skills and will display personal and professional maturity. S/he will be data driven in decision making with the ability to analyse complex situations, focus on the key issues and communicate within the team and upwards with clarity and concisely. S/he will be science driven, with scientific acumen and deep understanding of the therapeutic medical needs as well as fully conversant with financials and managing a P&L. S/he will be entrepreneurial and results-driven with experience in highly matrix environments.