At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and execute a UK-wide sales strategy in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Company: Dynamic pharmaceutical organisation focused on innovation and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-stakes role within a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: Proven senior sales leadership experience in the UK pharmaceutical market.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to ethical practices and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a pharmaceutical organisation seeking an experienced Head of Sales to lead and execute a UK-wide commercial strategy across hospital, pharmacy, OTC, and branded generics. This is a senior, high-impact role with full accountability for revenue growth, key accounts, pricing strategy, and cross-functional leadership in a highly regulated and competitive UK market.
The Role
You will own and deliver a multi-channel UK sales strategy, balancing commercial ambition with operational discipline, regulatory compliance, and supply chain realities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Multi-Channel Sales Strategy
- Develop differentiated sales strategies across hospital, pharmacy, OTC, and branded generics
- Analyse market trends, competitor activity, tariff movements, and demand fluctuations
- Set and deliver UK revenue targets and KPIs by channel and product class
- Align product positioning and pricing with customer and market needs
- Key Account Management – managing a team of KAM’s
- Hospital / NHS
- Lead relationships with NHS procurement, ICBs, hospital pharmacy teams, and framework providers
- Oversee tenders, formulary access, and contracting for generics and branded generics
- Pharmacy
- Build and manage relationships with pharmacy multiples, symbol groups, buying groups, and independents
- Negotiate listings, rebates, promotions, and supply agreements
- Wholesalers & Distributors
- Manage national and secondary wholesalers
- Negotiate pricing, service levels, and stock availability
- OTC / Consumer Health
- Drive OTC penetration with retail buyers, pharmacy chains, and online platforms
- Support category management, merchandising, and seasonal strategies
- Hospital / NHS
- Commercial Execution & Supply Chain
- Partner closely with Supply Chain and Operations to ensure continuity of supply
- Monitor and respond to UK-specific market triggers (shortages, Category M, concessions)
- Support product launches aligned to MHRA and market access requirements
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with MHRA, ABPI Code, NHS procurement rules, UK Bribery Act, and competition law
- Champion a culture of compliant, ethical selling across all channels
- Financial & Pricing Leadership
- Lead UK pricing strategy, managing generics volatility and tariff impacts
- Own commercial budgets, promotional spend, and profitability
- Deliver accurate commercial reporting, including margin analysis and tender performance
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Work closely with Medical, Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to deliver organisational objectives
About You
- Proven senior sales leadership experience within the UK pharmaceutical industry
- Strong understanding of generics, branded generics, and/or OTC
- Deep knowledge of UK market access, pricing, and NHS procurement
- Commercially astute, strategic, and comfortable operating at board level
- Confident leading complex stakeholder relationships across multiple channels
- Excellent management and mentoring experience and skills
Head of Sales UK Pharmaceuticals in Exeter employer: Pro4orm People Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pro4orm People Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales UK Pharmaceuticals in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Sales role. Personal recommendations can make all the difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, market position, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your sales strategy and how you plan to drive revenue growth. Be ready to discuss your experience with key accounts and how you’ve successfully navigated the complexities of the UK pharmaceutical market.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales UK Pharmaceuticals in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Sales role. Highlight your experience in the UK pharmaceutical industry and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed key accounts in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to develop and execute multi-channel sales strategies. Discuss how you've navigated market trends and competitor activity in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can think big and act strategically!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pro4orm People Ltd
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the UK pharmaceutical landscape. Understand the latest trends, competitor strategies, and regulatory changes. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Sales, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed key accounts, and driven revenue growth in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company's culture and values, especially their commitment to compliance and ethical selling. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've championed compliance in your past roles.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about their sales strategy, challenges in the market, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.