Country Oncology BUD – Commercial Oncology

  • Johannesburg, South Africa, South Africa
  • Full-Time
  • On-Site

Job Description:

Purpose:

A pharmaceutical company is looking for a Country Oncology BUD – Commercial Oncology who will have end-to-end responsibility for the commercial launch and growth of the company’s first innovative oncology assets in-country, including immuno-oncology, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and targeted therapies (EGFR TKIs)

With the first launch planned in <12 months, the role demands a leader who can simultaneously design strategy and execute hands-on, building the organisation, shaping the go-to-market model, and ensuring flawless launch readiness — all while partnering closely with the Country GM and Global Oncology teams. This role combines: Strategic leadership, Operational intensity, External oncology credibility, A true “general manager mindset” within oncology

Key Job Outputs:

Country Oncology Strategy & Financial Accountability

  • Define and lead the country oncology commercial strategy, fully aligned with global oncology franchise priorities and local market realities
  • Be accountable for oncology revenue and gross margin delivery, with shared P&L ownership alongside the Country General Manager
  • Develop robust forecasts, business plans, and scenario models to support investment decisions
  • Represent oncology performance, risks, and opportunities at the Country Leadership Team and to Global Oncology leadership

Launch Excellence & Execution Leadership

  • Own end-to-end launch readiness for first-in-country innovative oncology assets
  • Lead integrated launch planning across:
  • Sales force readiness
  • Marketing strategy and execution
  • Market access coordination
  • Supply and demand planning
  • Establish clear launch KPIs, uptake milestones, and post-launch optimisation plans
  • Ensure best-in-class execution for IO, ADC, and targeted therapy launches in a highly competitive environment

Organisation Build & Commercial Capability Creation

  • Build the oncology organisation from near-zero, including: Sales, Marketing, Business Operations
  • Define optimal field force size, structure, and deployment model
  • Recruit, develop, and retain high-calibre oncology talent with a strong performance culture
  • Instil strong governance, compliance, and execution discipline from day one

Go-to-Market & Portfolio Management

  • Design differentiated go-to-market models tailored to tumour types, treatment settings, and customer segments
  • Ensure strong alignment across:
    • Positioning
    • Pricing and access strategy (in collaboration with access/medical)
    • Promotional excellence
    • Omnichannel customer engagement
  • Drive strong performance of in-line products while preparing the organisation for pipeline expansion

External Stakeholder & Oncology Ecosystem Leadership

  • Act as the senior commercial face of the company Oncology in-country
  • Build strong relationships with: Key opinion leaders (KOLs) and Oncology societies and networks
  • Strategic partners and distributors (if applicable)
  • Partner closely with Medical Affairs on scientific engagement and disease-area shaping
  • Support business development, licensing, and alliance activities where relevant at country level

Core Competencies:

  • Strong commercial and financial acumen with a GM-like mindset
  • Deep understanding of oncology customers, treatment pathways, and competitive dynamics
  • Hands-on leader who can move seamlessly between strategy and execution
  • Exceptional stakeholder management, influence, and communication skills
  • High ethical standards with uncompromising compliance orientation

Qualifications:

  • MBA or master’s degree in business, Life Sciences, or related field preferred

Experience:

  • 12–15+ years of pharmaceutical / biotech experience, with a strong focus on innovative oncology
  • Proven track record of launching first-in-country innovative oncology products, ideally in solid tumours
  • Direct experience across IO, ADCs, and/or targeted therapies (e.g., EGFR TKIs)
  • Demonstrated success in building and leading oncology teams from scratch or early stage
  • Experience operating in complex, fast-evolving oncology markets
  • Prior country-level or franchise leadership experience is strongly preferred

Salary: Market related

Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.

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