Head of Commercial France

Head of Commercial France (Open for Employment or Consultant)

As Head of Commercial France, you will lead the marketing & sales function in the country and be responsible for developing and executing the commercial strategy supporting the successful commercialization of Avanzanite products.

You will report directly to the General Manager and will be part of the France Leadership Team.

This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a lean environment. At the start, you will operate as a hands-on commercial leader, directly driving key activities, and as the business grows, you will build and scale the commercial team based on business needs.

This function required strong collaboration with Market Access, Medical, and HQ functions to contribute to the affiliate’s success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Launch Excellence

Ensure preparation of pre-launch and launch plan for AVZ products in collaboration with global and local functions

Champion launch strategy execution in France and ensure effective collaboration with global and local functions to ensure best-in-class launches

Drive compliant growth and profitability  

• Lead the local product core team and ensure effective deployment of pre-launch and launch activities, define medico-marketing activities, and drive strong cross-functional alignment.
• Prepare and execute the Annual Operating plan and budget in line with AZV strategy
• Propose and implement resource allocation to products/segments/targets, in order to optimize growth and profitability
• Contribute to pricing, access, and market insights in close collaboration with Market Access
• Develop material to support the launches, including material development and congress management through local compliance processes
• Management of local marketing and communications agencies to support launch and commercialization
• Prepare the forecast and manage the demand planning
  

Sales management

• Operate as a hands-on commercial leader, directly engaging with key stakeholders and accounts, especially in the initial phase
•  Setting up, hiring and building the KAM team over time based on business needs.
• Designing, developing and implementing compensation and key account excellence programs for the key account team
•  Develop Key Account Plans and monitor the team performance
• Develop and manage key KOL relationships to actively drive business opportunities
•  Accountability for the implementation of local marketing and key account plans ensuring coordination and close collaboration with local medical and cross-functional teams

Ethics & Compliance

• Ensure that adequate and compliant financial structures and control mechanisms are in place
• Comply with company guidelines and country/industry standards on ethics and compliance
• Ensure that all activities are undertaken in accordance with SOPs, policies, directives and relevant national guidelines

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

Typically 10–15 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech commercial roles:

• Ideal: Pharmacist plus Master’s/Business School degree or PHD/master’s in business administration
• Strong sales and marketing experience with the ability to interpret market changes and translate them into well-defined marketing/business plans with experience in Rare Disease
• Strong strategic capabilities combined with execution focus and understanding of product commercialization
• New Product Launch experience for a Pharmaceutical/Biotech product in rare diseases would be preferred
• A motivated professional with a “can-do” attitude, willing to work in a fast-paced, high-accountability, small company environment, able to achieve measurable results in a given timeline
• Broad understanding and experience in sales and key account management
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully with multiple functions in a global team environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain timelines
• Experience in attracting, developing and retaining top talent and high-caliber sales and/or marketing teams
• Experience in hematology is a plus
• Ability to operate in a lean, fast-paced, high-accountability environment

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Fluency in French and English language is essential
• Ability to travel for general business and visit centers in the Country / Region (~30%)