Harleys Limited, a family-owned business established in 1953, is one of the region's most respected healthcare suppliers. The company deals in the distribution and marketing of pharmaceuticals, medical disposables, medical equipment, and OTC products. With a wide basket of products from multinational companies, branded-generic companies, and generics, Harleys Limited is seeking a senior business leader to join its team as a Category Manager in the Pharmaceuticals business unit.
The Category Manager will be responsible for leading a sales and marketing pharmaceutical team, including Team Leaders, Sales Supervisors, and Medical/Sales Representatives. The goal is to optimize sales, profitability, and market share of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Technology portfolios. The incumbent will develop sales strategies, manage brand ownership and positioning, and oversee marketing campaigns to ensure high ROI and alignment with brand objectives.
To qualify for the position, candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy or a science-related academic qualification, with an MBA being an advantage. A minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceuticals sales is required, with 3-5 years in a senior leadership role. The ideal candidate should be a strategist with excellent leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as strong people management skills and high business acumen.
The Category Manager will be responsible for sales strategy development, setting and monitoring performance targets for regional teams, and assessing market trends to adjust strategies accordingly. Additionally, the role involves leading brand ownership and positioning for all pharmaceutical and other products at a national level, overseeing marketing campaigns, and collaborating with the marketing team to develop innovative promotional activities.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for people management, leading, mentoring, and evaluating the performance of Team Leaders, Sales Supervisors, and Medical/Sales Representatives. Furthermore, the Category Manager will establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers to ensure product availability and quality standards, and build and nurture customer relationships to achieve high satisfaction rates and customer loyalty.
In terms of financial management, the Category Manager will manage the Commercial Unit's budget, targeting gross profit (GP) and overall unit profitability. The role also involves preparing and overseeing annual budgets, closely monitoring and adjusting to maintain financial budgets. The Category Manager will ensure accountability for financial metrics, including return on investment (ROI) for marketing activities.
Harleys Limited is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Interested applicants should apply online, and only shortlisted candidates who best meet the requirements will be contacted for interviews. The deadline for applications is November 21, and more information can be found on the Ugandan Jobline website.
Key points
- The Category Manager will lead a sales and marketing pharmaceutical team to optimize sales, profitability, and market share.
- The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceuticals sales, with 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
- The Category Manager will be responsible for managing the Commercial Unit's budget and ensuring accountability for financial metrics.
