Commercial Director - UK & Ireland

Job Purpose

The Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring profitable growth across both the United Kingdom and Ireland within our dynamic pharmaceutical organisation, driving commercial excellence and market expansion. Reporting to the General Manager UK & Ireland, this role is responsible for developing and executing innovative sales and marketing strategies for SPC growth brands, and direct Management of the Field Sales teams and partnership team in the UK and Ireland including target setting and performance management.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement comprehensive sales and marketing brand strategies aligned with overall company objectives and local regulatory frameworks.

Identify emerging trends, market shifts, and growth opportunities within the pharmaceutical sector across the UK and Ireland.

Collaborate closely with the UK and Ireland Leadership Team to shape long-term business plans, portfolio management strategies, and plan product launches.

Provide clear direction, coaching, and strategic guidance to the Sales, Partnership and Marketing teams.

Collaborate with other functions to shape the direction of the UK and Ireland business in accordance with company goals.

Lead on forecasting of new product opportunities with SPC Corporate functions.

Commercial Performance

Drive market share growth for existing and new pharmaceutical products, ensuring achievement of revenue, profitability, and market share targets.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess sales and marketing effectiveness, continuously optimising strategies based on data and insights.

Oversee pricing, tendering, and key account management strategies in line with NHS and private sector requirements.

Manage the field sales teams in UK and Ireland to ensure implementation of and optimal performance against annual Account Plans including effective allocation of people and promotional resources according to business needs.

Lead the Marketing team to ensure timely and relevant delivery of promotional materials and resources for the sales teams that comply with Global SPC policies, including offline and online content.

Lead the Partnership Team to ensure they are working cross functionally and driving primary care engagement.

Team Leadership & Development

Direct Management of the Field Sales and Marketing teams in UK and Ireland, being responsible for recruitment, training and development and day to day management of the teams, including target setting and performance management.

Oversee sales force training on current strategy, positioning, and tactics, and perform field joint visits to verify the effective and consistent implementation of promotional strategy.

Quality and Compliance: Ensure full compliance and work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve this.

Budget Management: Develop and manage sales and marketing budgets for the countries.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, life sciences, business, or a related discipline (Master’s or MBA preferred).

Required Skills and Experience

• Significant experience in sales and marketing leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry, ideally covering both the UK and Irish markets.
• Proven track record in delivering commercial success, including successful product launches and market access strategies.
• Deep understanding of the UK/Ireland healthcare environment, NHS structures, reimbursement pathways, and key policy drivers.

Technical Competencies

• Outstanding strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication abilities.
• Demonstrated success in leading, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in additional European languages is an advantage.

Required Behaviours and Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to inspire, influence, and empower teams to excel and surpass targets in a fast-paced, evolving market.
• Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of pharmaceutical market dynamics, pricing pressures, and sales channel optimisation.
• Innovative Thinking: Commitment to innovation and creativity in driving growth, digital transformation, and engagement strategies.
• Stakeholder Management: Expertise in building trust and collaborating with internal and external partners, including government bodies, healthcare professionals, and patient associations.
• Results Orientation: Relentless focus on delivering outcomes, measuring impact, and adapting rapidly to changing market forces.
• Ethical Integrity: Strong sense of integrity and commitment to the highest ethical standards in all commercial practices.

Required Languages

English

Travel required in %

Nationwide travel as well as travel to Head Office