BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa, with our core purpose being to "protect life". We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Business and External Affairs to join a goal-oriented team.
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:
Required:
- Bachelors Degree or Equivalent.
Preferred:
- MBA / Postgraduate (Business, Public Health, Pharma, Economics) will be advantageous.
- Recognition is given to Prior Learning and practical experience.
NECESSARY EXPERIENCE & INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE:
Required:
- At least 8 years' experience in Pharmaceutical Commercial Environment.
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At least 3 years' experience at senior management level.
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Experience in quality and regulatory compliance within a cGMP facility.
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Business and operational planning with an ERP system.
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Program and project management.
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Participation in developing a departmental budget and monitoring expenditure.
Preferred:
- Working Pharma / Biotech Commercial Industry knowledge.
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Working knowledge of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing related legislation.
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Experience in aseptic (sterile) manufacturing.
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Experience in general business management within a commercial environment.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:
Core Technical Delivery Functions:
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Accountable for driving sales efforts to enhance the business's position with our customers and to solidify the position of the business in the market.
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Working closely with Africa Market Shaping Head and Exports Head, lead growth of Biovac by leveraging all opportunities with Biovac pipeline across Africa and other markets
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Relationship management of key local and international customers and suppliers
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Ensure effective submission and management of state commercial tenders.
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Support our defence strategy and market shaping of new vaccine launches and introductions.
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Analyse market trends and customer buying patterns and develop strategies to boost sales in markets.
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Support our Africa Brand Plan Portfolio and Business Case proposals with market intelligence and insights.
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Responsible for the procurement of vaccines to support the sales targets.
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Supply risk to be managed and mitigated to avoid any stock outs & reputational damage.
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Networking & relationship building in the industry.
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Serve as conduit to Regulatory and Quality for partner communications and manage joint commercial presence.
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Responsible for responding to S21 opportunities and the internal company co-ordination of S21.
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Collaborate with various business stakeholders and support in the development and implementation of effective commercial operational processes, improving efficiency and effectiveness.
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Act as the owner of the internal pricing processes to support a responsive pricing strategy in collaboration with Commercial- and finance teams
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Management of the warehousing and distribution partner.
Technical Competencies required to perform this aspect of the role:
- Excellent understanding and working knowledge Commercial environment.
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Global Understanding and Mindset
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Detailed knowledge of pharmaceutical industry standards and guidelines in GMP, Quality and Supply Chain.
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Risk Assessment and execution
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Statistical Trending & Data Analysis
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Pharma / Biotech Industry knowledge
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Strong Planning, Organizing, Execution & Delegation skills
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Strategic & holistic thinking
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Creative problem solving & innovation skills
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Inventory Management
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Effective Customer & stakeholder collaboration
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Financial acumen
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Commercial awareness
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Action & results oriented
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Assertive & resilient
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Adaptable in responding to change
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Negotiation and influencing skills in mitigating risk
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Able to synthesize collaboration from disparate sources (i.e. Vision to see how things might fit together – non-linear thinking)
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Ability to influence others without authority / coaching leaders and department heads.
Quality Management
- Building own and team basic GMP Knowledge and Compliance
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Participate in building a sustainable Quality Culture on site and proactive mitigate risks that may negatively impact quality or escalate these appropriately.
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Establish and maintain a state of control related to quality management within the department
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Ensure Deviations, Change Controls, CAPAs are handled effectively
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Advocate continuous improvement within own department as well as cross functionally
Technical Competencies required to perform this aspect of the role:
- Planning, Organizing, Execution & Delegation
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Strategic & Holistic Thinking
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Creative Problem Solving & Innovation Skills
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Sustainable Stakeholder Management
Application Deadline: 05 June 2026
If you do not receive a response from us within three weeks of submitting your application, please understand that your application was not successful.
We believe in the magic of diversity within teams and to achieve this, we do apply Employment Equity principles during our selection process where this is necessary to achieve such diversity.
Disclaimer:
Dear Applicant, we appreciate your interest in joining our organization. It is imperative for us that you understand how we handle your information. We are committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information you provide. Your personal details will be collected for the sole purpose of the application process and will be used strictly for that purpose. By applying, you acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. If you have any inquiries or concerns, our Human Capital department is available to provide clarification. We look forward to reviewing your application.''
