- We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Country Manager to lead and grow our Molecular Diagnostics business in Nigeria, one of Africa's most complex and strategically important healthcare markets.
- This role carries full commercial, operational, and people leadership responsibility, with a strong emphasis on public and private sector growth, deep engagement with local healthcare funding mechanisms, and long-term sustainability.
- The successful candidate will bring strong industry experience, established relationships within the Nigerian healthcare ecosystem, and a proven ability to develop and execute countryspecific sales and market access strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Strategic Leadership:
- Partner closely with the Managing Director to define, develop, and execute a Nigeriaspecific strategy to profitably grow the Molecular Diagnostics business across public and private sectors.
- Define and implement long-range strategic plans, ensuring alignment with regional and global priorities.
- Establish comprehensive sales strategies and execute all tactical initiatives required to achieve revenue, profitability, and market share objectives.
- Hold full P&L responsibility, including forecasting, target achievement, and performance tracking.
- Prepare, present, and manage annual business plans, with regular performance updates.
- Ensure all activities are conducted in a legal, ethical, and compliant manner, in line with regulatory requirements.
Sales Excellence & Operational Management:
- Lead, coach, and manage a team of Sales Executives and Ambassadors, driving execution excellence and sustained performance.
- Own and execute sales plans to achieve revenue growth, improved profitability, higher winrates, and increased share of wallet.
- Propose and manage human and financial resource allocation to maximize productivity.
- Monitor and control budgets and expenditure against approved allocations.
- Support the field team with contract negotiations, particularly around pricing and profitability.
- Act as a trusted advisor and senior contact for key customers.
- Oversee customer issue escalation through to resolution, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Ensure effective use of salesforce management systems, KPIs, incentive plans, and performance management tools.
Government, Funders & Market Access:
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with:
- Federal and State Ministries of Health
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies
- Public health laboratories and reference laboratories
- Local and international laboratory funders and donors
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of Nigeria's healthcare funding mechanisms, procurement structures, and reimbursement models.
- Navigate tender processes, donor-funded programs, and public health initiatives effectively.
- Position the organization as a strategic long-term partner within the Nigerian healthcare system.
Customer & KOL Engagement:
- Establish and execute structured Key Opinion Leader (KOL) engagement plans, in collaboration with Marketing.
- Maintain regular engagement with top KOLs, laboratory directors, and Csuite stakeholders.
- Implement mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of KOL engagement.
- Maintain a strong understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscape, pricing, and reimbursement challenges.
- Translate market insights into actionable commercial strategies.
People Leadership & Talent Development:
- Develop, motivate, and challenge teams to achieve high performance and accountability.
- Identify and develop highpotential (HIPO) talent, with clear development and succession plans.
- Build leadership capability through active coaching and mentoring.
- Drive appropriate recognition, rewards, and engagement initiatives.
- Foster a collaborative, ethical, and results-driven culture.
- University Degree in Medical Technology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
- Understanding of Molecular Diagnostics sales processes is highly advantageous.
- Strong business planning, project management, and analytical capabilities.
- High level of accountability, agility, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- French language skills are an advantage, particularly for regional collaboration and West African engagement.
- Experience in finance or strong analytical skills will be considered a plus.
Required Knowledge & Experience:
- Minimum 6 years' experience in a senior commercial or country leadership role.
- At least 3 - 4 years' proven people management experience.
- Strong commercial background within healthcare, preferably IVD, Diagnostics, Molecular, or related markets.
- Demonstrated experience in the Nigerian market, including understanding of:
- Public healthcare systems
- Laboratory funding and donor mechanisms
- Government and regulatory engagement
- Established relationships with KOLs, laboratories, and healthcare stakeholders are a strong advantage.
- Proven ability to develop and execute country-specific sales strategies.
- Strong leadership, negotiation, financial analysis, and communication skills.
- Ability to influence and operate effectively within a matrix organization.