National Sales Manager - Pharmaceuticals

About the role

A pharmaceutical marketing and distribution company with its operational base in Lagos, Nigeria, is looking for a National Sales Manager. The role develops and executes the national sales strategy, achieves sales and revenue targets, leads regional and area business managers, expands market share and coordinates national sales operations.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement the national sales strategy, set annual, quarterly and monthly targets, and prepare sales plans, budgets, forecasts and growth strategies.
• Monitor sales performance, identify underperforming territories and lead recovery plans.
• Lead, supervise and support Regional Sales Managers, Area Business Managers and other sales leaders; set KPIs, recruit, train and coach them, and run performance reviews and sales meetings.
• Drive commercial execution of new product launches, product lifecycle initiatives and portfolio expansion, and monitor product-level sales and profitability.
• Build strategic relationships with hospitals, pharmacy chains, wholesalers, distributors and institutional customers, and coordinate key account plans.
• Improve nationwide distribution coverage and monitor receivables, credit exposure and channel inventory.
• Analyse market trends, competitor activity and sales data to guide territory planning and resource allocation, and report findings to senior management.
• Prepare the national sales budget and forecasts, manage sales-force costs and promotional spend, and work with Finance on gross margins and profitability.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, HR and Supply Chain, and lead national sales reviews and business planning sessions.

Required profile

• Extensive pharmaceutical sales and management experience, with a strong network of industry stakeholders across the country.
• Demonstrated record of achieving sales targets and leading managers.
• Degree in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Life Sciences or a relevant field; a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration, Sales Management or Marketing is an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong strategic planning, financial analysis and forecasting skills.
• Negotiation, presentation, communication and leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical distribution, product promotion and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Experience with CRM platforms, Excel, sales analytics and business reporting.