Head of Commercial

Role: Head of Commercial / Market Development
Location: Europe (Ireland / Germany / UK preferred - hybrid/remote with travel)
Reports to: CEO

About the Company

A fast-growing European life-science manufacturer supplying GMP-certified specialty APIs and bulk materials to licensed partners such as distributors and compounding pharmacies. The company is young, scaling quickly, and offers the chance to shape commercial strategy from an early stage.

Role Purpose

To lead and build commercial and market development activities across Europe, turning strong operational and scientific capabilities into sustainable, profitable growth. This is a hands-on, builder role combining strategic planning with day-to-day execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Market Development & Commercial Planning

• Develop commercial plans aligned with regulatory/reimbursement realities.

• Segment and prioritise target groups across key European markets.

• Track market trends, competitor movements and policy changes and translate them into actionable plans.

2. Partner & Account Management

• Build strong relationships with distributors, wholesalers, buying groups and pharmacies.

• Create and deliver account plans, including launches, education and performance tracking.

• Negotiate and manage commercial agreements within compliance and margin parameters.

3. Sales Execution & Pipeline

• Establish and manage a structured partner and pharmacy pipeline.

• Coordinate campaigns, trials and feedback loops with internal teams and partner organisations.

• Maintain simple CRM routines to track activity and revenue progress.

4. Pricing, Forecasting & Insight

• Support pricing, discount and channel strategy.

• Build forecasts and align them with supply and operations.

• Collect customer and market feedback to shape product positioning and future offerings.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Regulatory, Operations and Finance to ensure plans are realistic and compliant.

• Help develop commercial materials (e.g., partner decks, pharmacy info, training tools).

• Bring market insights into leadership and planning discussions.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• 8+ years in commercial roles in pharma, biotech, medical cannabis, specialty medicines or healthcare services.

• Experience with distributors, wholesalers, pharmacies or hospital/clinic channels.

• Proven track record launching or scaling products in Europe (Germany/UK a strong plus).

• Experience with controlled or specialty medicines beneficial.

Skills & Attributes

• Able to set direction and execute hands-on.

• Strong relationship builder with credible, collaborative communication style.

• Solid commercial numeracy (pricing, margin, P&L basics).

• Organised, structured, comfortable managing multiple markets and partners.

• Confident working in regulated, quality-driven environments.

• Thrives in young, growing companies with evolving processes.

Education & Languages

• Degree in life sciences, pharmacy, business or similar (or equivalent experience).

• Fluent English; strong German highly desirable; other languages an advantage.