Country Manager Contract

Role Overview

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 country‑specific sales and market access strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Strategic Leadership

• Partner closely with the Managing Director to define, develop, and execute a Nigeria‑specific 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 win‑rates, 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 C‑suite 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 high‑potential (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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.