Country Manager Kenya

About Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe in the holistic value of health. Our leadership in healthcare innovation enables us to envision a world where complex illnesses are prevented, effectively treated, and ultimately cured. We strive for smarter, less invasive treatments and highly personalized healthcare solutions. Leveraging our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we drive advancement across healthcare today to shape breakthroughs that positively impact humanity’s health. Our work culture emphasizes inclusion, valuing each employee's individuality, dignity, and merit.

Role Overview

The Country Manager for Kenya will be entrusted with delivering business growth and results within the country, emphasizing oncology, mental health, and immunology portfolios. This role involves ensuring appropriate reimbursement for our innovations, co-leading mental health project execution, launching new innovative products, and managing distributor relationships to maximize business success. Upholding a positive company image locally while adhering to legislation, building partnerships, and enhancing trust and reputation is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish country sales goals aligned with product potential, lifecycle stages, and regional directives.
• Plan budgets and optimize resource allocation effectively.
• Oversee and endorse activities of all teams, including sales, medical, regulatory, marketing, and market access.
• Maintain and grow current portfolio sales by monitoring stock levels, coordinating with distributors, and aligning reporting.
• Lead launch strategies for new innovative products encompassing regulatory submissions, market access, tender negotiations, and medical education.
• Analyze local insights to discover opportunities and mitigate risks with proactive corrective measures.
• Champion mental health initiatives and ensure business targets comply with internal policies and local regulations.
• Develop the team and local organizational environment with a focus on coaching, recruitment, talent retention, and succession planning.
• Foster alignment among functions and motivate the team to meet country objectives through exemplary leadership.
• Enhance Johnson & Johnson’s image and reputation among key stakeholders including KOLs, government agencies, and pharma societies.

Compliance and Pharmaceutical Responsibilities

• Adhere strictly to local laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Healthcare Business Integrity guidelines, and company policies.
• Ensure readiness for inspections through proper staff training and documentation availability.
• Manage compliance with fair market value, promotional material rules, and legal mandates during project planning and execution.
• Guarantee timely reporting of adverse events and quality complaints in line with pharmacovigilance guidelines.

Collaboration

This role requires extensive interaction with local and regional functions including medical, regulatory, sales, finance, HR, and IT, as well as engagement with external entities such as key opinion leaders, medical associations, distributors, and government bodies.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA or life sciences) preferred.
• Between 7 and 10 years of progressively responsible commercial experience, preferably in pharmaceuticals.
• Experience or education outside Kenya is advantageous.
• Proficiency in English and at least one local language (e.g., Swahili).
• Demonstrated ability to operate within complex matrix organizations and lead cross-functional teams.
• Prior leadership and line management experience with skills in forecasting, budgeting, and entrepreneurial problem-solving.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, eagerness to collaborate in a small, cohesive team environment.

Core Attributes and Leadership Competencies

• Entrepreneurial mentality with a strong achievement drive.
• Talent development and team management expertise.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Capability to handle complexity with integrity and maintain high ethical standards.

Leadership Philosophy

• Commitment to acting with integrity and placing the needs of all stakeholders first.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships internally and externally with mutual respect.
• Drive innovation by embracing change with resilience and adaptability.
• Focus on continuous growth and open communication to enhance performance.

Additional Information

This position is full-time and requires working onsite in Nairobi, Kenya. The role is centered on managing and implementing strategies that comply with company and legal standards while ensuring successful business outcomes.